Germany’s first fully electric ferry offers carbon neutral service
March 24, 2025By Seawork Press FP
Damen Shipyards
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The first fully electric catamaran to operate in Germany has been named Frisia E-I. Charged with electricity generated by onshore solar panels, the ferry offers a carbon neutral service.
The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site with strict criteria for maritime operations. The ferry will operate between Norddeich and the island of Norderney on the East Frisian coast.
Restricted to sailing at relatively low speeds to protect this environmentally valuable area, nevertheless the Fast Ferry 3209 Electric reduces the current sailing time by half, transporting up to 150 passengers in just 30 minutes and recharging during (dis)embarkation of passengers in just 28 minutes.
The ferry is the first vessel that Reederei Norden-Frisia has built outside of Germany in its long history of over 150 years. Damen was chosen for its track record in the construction of electric vessels.
"We are working on the sustainable transformation of shipping and investing in an emissions-free future, and this vessel will help us in this journey,” said Carl-Ulfert Stegmann, Board Member of AG Reederei Norden-Frisia.
Damen provided Reederei Norden-Frisia with support for the charging infrastructure and mooring facilities required, offering an efficient way to tackle the full scope of the project.
Reederei Norden-Frisia is committed to providing an environmentally friendly operation. In addition to offering a fully electric crossing, the company has established an electric car and bicycle hire service for its clients. It is also installing wind turbines and solar panels in its car parking areas so that passengers can return from a visit to the Frisian Islands to vehicles fully charged with renewable energy.
