Enjoy the carbon neutral view from Germany’s first all-electric ferry
January 28, 2025By Seawork Press FP
Damen Shipyards
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Up to 150 passengers at a time are set to be transported by Germany’s first, all-electric catamaran (E-Kat) ferry.
Built by Damen Shipyards for operator AG Reederei Norden-Frisia, the 32-metre E-Kat vessel will operate on a 30-minute route between Norddeich and Norderney on the East Frisian Wadden Sea.
Built at Damen shipyards in Poland and the Netherlands, the vessel is driven by two propellers, each powered by a 600kW electric motor. Given the shallow waterways in which it will operate, it has been designed with twin hulls giving it a draught of just 1.2 metres. These aluminium hulls together with a superstructure, also made of aluminium, ensure that weight has been kept to a minimum, enabling it to operate at speeds of up to 12 knots.
Other features include over-sized windows to allow passengers to enjoy the views of the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest tidal flats system and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
AG Reederei Norden-Frisia has a proven commitment to sustainability in its operations, and the E-Kat ferry is part of a wider programme to achieve zero emissions. The vessel will be CO2 neutral when operating and the electricity that charges its batteries will come from onshore solar panels.
Joschka Böddeling, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards, said, “The E-Kat is a very special ferry. We are delighted that it has been delivered and look forward to seeing it in operation once the summer season gets underway. It has been built to the highest standards and we have no doubt that it will serve for many years to come.”
