Wartsila designs zero-emissions ferry concept

The concept has been developed to fit the Norwegian government’s new environmental regulations for ferries and focuses on the elimination of harmful emissions.

Riku-Pekka Hägg, vice president of ship design, Wärtsilä, said: “Wärtsilä is fully committed to producing ship designs, marine products, and integrated solutions that make a significant contribution towards lowering the environmental footprint of shipping.”

He continued: “This new concept is one more example of this focus. By making it possible for ferries to eliminate exhaust emissions entirely, we feel that we are again acting proactively to protect the marine environment.”

The design characteristic focuses on high energy efficiency with low resistance, both above and below the water line.

Ferries are designed to run entirely on batteries or in a battery-engine hybrid configuration where the fuel options are liquefied natural gas or biofuel.

It features Wärtsilä’s new wireless inductive charging system, which is considered a benefit due to its time and energy savings. This eliminates physical cable connections enabling charging to begin immediately when the vessel arrives at quay.

The design also encompasses a complete electrical and automation package based on the company’s battery hybrid solution.

It includes Wärtsilä azimuth propulsion units and a complete bridge control system. The ferry series can accommodate 60 to 120 cars on a single car deck for quick and easy loading and unloading.