‘World’s First’ electric car ferry

Measuring in at 80m, the ZeroCat 120 is able to carry 120 cars and 360 passengers. It will serve the route between Lavik and Oppedal in Norway across the Sognefjord from 2015 onwards.

The contract for the delivery of the ferry between Fjellstrand and Norled came about as a result of Norled winning the tender for a ten year operation on the E39 fjord crossing. From 2015, the ferry service will be operated by two conventional diesel driven ferries in addition to this new ferry on the 30 minute route.

The ZeroCat 120 will depend entirely upon energy stored in lithium-ion batteries onboard, which will power the two electric motors driving the ship’s two screws.

As well as the benefit of zero emissions, the vessel is a catamaran with two slim lightweight aluminium hulls which offers less resistance in the water than a traditional hull design.

When it comes to refuelling, the battery can be recharged in ten minutes during loading and unloading. Batteries have been installed at both ports for recharging purposes which slowly recharge themselves using hydro power from the Norwegian power grid.

Other technology like LED lights and solar panels will be used onboard the fery and special attention will be given to the propulsion system, where all components will be evaluated for maximum energy efficiency.