One of the world's busiest international car ferry routes is to become entirely electric with the conversion of a double-ended car ferry to emission-free battery powered operation, achieving zero emissions, enabling full electric operation with batteries, and having mechanical propulsion redundancy.
The MF Hamlet ferry, operated by Öresundlinjen on the route between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, will see a major upgrade including installation of large battery packs and new permanent magnet motors for the azimuth thrusters. Kongsberg Maritime will be responsible for rebuilding the existing thrusters to electric operation, alongside a comprehensive energy, automation, and control package.
The ferry will utilise high-voltage charging in port, taking only 8-12 minutes, and low-voltage charging via gensets as an alternative.
New deckhouses will be installed on the top deck, with Kongsberg Maritime energy equipment and the Echandia batteries being key features. The ferry will also be made ready for Kongsberg Maritime’s Auto-Crossing and Auto-Docking technology to automate transit and harbour manoeuvres.
Kristian Durhuus, CEO, Molslinjen, said, "We have the strategic vision to electrify our entire fleet to secure the complete green transition and become carbon-neutral in 2040. Hamlet is an important step for us, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers to yet another fully electric ferry on Øresundslinjen."
Martin Kjøraas, Head of Aftermarket Sales Seaborne, Integration and Energy, at Kongsberg Maritime, said, “The continuous collaboration between Öresundlinjen, the yard, and all sub-suppliers has been exceptional in the project preparation phase, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this conversion will have on the environment and the efficiency of this busy ferry route."
