Scandlines’ new zero direct emissions ferry has been on the first of two sea trials in the Sea of Mamara in Turkey, following a period at the shipyard’s outfitting quay with tests of the ship’s auxiliary systems and a successful inclining test,
During the sea trial, the Cemre shipyard tested the ship’s systems under load in co-operation with Scandlines, under supervision of Lloyd’s Register.
Rasmus Nielsen, VP, Fleet and Administration, Scandlines, said: ”During the ten-day sea trial, the ship’s batteries and electrical installations were tested. We also got to see the propulsion system in operation for the first time.”
Back at the outfitting quay, the remaining systems and equipment will be commissioned to test, verify and document that the ship fulfils the specified requirements. The commissioning is a seal of approval that the ship is complete and ready to sail, and that the crew is trained in the operation and maintenance of the ship. According to Scandlines, testing all the equipment of the ship, identifying and resolving any issues, and ensuring the crew is trained in the operation and maintenance of the ship is an extensive process. The crew had its first introduction to the ship in Rødbyhavn in Denmark and has been training at the shipyard where, among other things, safety procedures were thoroughly reviewed.
Once the ship has been commissioned, it will be handed over to Scandlines and ready to go to Rødbyhavn with some of the future crew at the helm. Stops are planned in Gibraltar on the south coast of the Iberian Peninsula and in Brest on the west coast of France.
Scandlines COO Michael Guldmann Petersen said: “It will be a very big day for us when we see our new ferry arrive in Rødbyhavn, and we cannot wait to put her into operation. With our first emission-free ferry, we’re taking a huge step towards meeting our goal of operating with zero direct emissions on the Puttgarden-Rødby route by 2030.”
The 147.4m long ferry will be officially named at a ceremony in connection with its deployment on the Fehmarn Belt later in 2025. It has capacity for 66 freight units (about 1,200 lane meters) and 140 passengers. It is deigned for a service speed of up to 16 knots. A 10 MWh battery system will power the ship on its 45 minute crossing, with 12 minutes charging time in port.
Image: Scandlines’ zero-emission ferry on sea trials (source: Scandlines)
