Norwegian expertise supplier Kongsberg Maritime has received a contract to transform a double-ended automobile ferry operated by Swedish ferry transportation firm Öresundlinjen to emission-free battery-powered operation.

As disclosed, the vessel in query is the 111.2-meter-long MF Hamlet, which companies the route between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, throughout the northern and narrowest a part of the Øresund strait, thought of to be one of many ‘world’s busiest’ worldwide automobile ferry routes.

The mission’s purpose is described as an ambition to ‘obtain zero emissions and allow absolutely electrical battery-powered operation with mechanical propulsion redundancy.’

Per Kongsberg, the conversion job is slated for November 2025 at Øresund Drydocks in Sweden, however the vessel is anticipated to go to the yard in March throughout scheduled upkeep docking for preparation work earlier than the summer time season and the upcoming outfitting.

The scope of Kongsberg’s work is claimed to include becoming the ship with giant battery packs, rebuilding MF Hamlet’s 4 US 3001 Controllable Pitch azimuth thrusters to electrical operation by putting in everlasting magnet (PM) motors on every thruster. It’s understood that the ferry will maintain present diesel engines as backup.

As knowledgeable, the automobile ferry will cost its batteries shoreside, connecting to the at the moment obtainable charging robots.

Furthermore, the Norway-based expertise participant mentioned it will present an power, automation and management package deal, comprising an interface for the principle switchboard, retrofitting the Okay-Chief 600 to the brand new Okay-Chief system with an power administration system, and implementing the M-con thruster management.

Firm representatives highlighted that plans are underway to additionally set up Kongsberg’s auto-crossing and auto-docking options that automate transit and harbour maneuvers.

Power storage programs, in line with Kongsberg, are going to be supplied by Swedish maritime battery system provider Echandia, whereas Øresund Drydocks will deal with the mechanical conversion.

Along with this, Denmark’s engineering agency SH Group is anticipated to create and set up deck homes and guarantee that cabling is routed ‘accurately’ and that the brand new tools is put in and wired “as deliberate.”

Sharing his ideas concerning this improvement, Martin Kjøraas, Head of Aftermarket Gross sales Seaborne, Integration and Power at Kongsberg Maritime, concluded: “The continual collaboration between Öresundlinjen, the yard, and all sub-suppliers has been distinctive within the mission preparation section, and we look ahead to seeing the optimistic affect this conversion may have on the atmosphere and the effectivity of this busy ferry route.”