New hybrid ferry for Amsterdam

GVB has contracted Holland Shipyards to build a state-of-the-art hybrid ferry for Amsterdam.

The ferry will be designed in-house by Holland Shipyards

In conclusion of a public tender procedure, GVB Amsterdam (Gemeentelijk Vervoersbedrijf) has selected Holland Shipyards to design, construct and deliver a new hybrid ferry to service the IJ-crossing routes.

The ferry, which will be adjusted from the design of the existing ferries, will be designed in-house by Holland Shipyards. The external dimensions will be altered to measure 33.60 x 9.00 metres, with a draft of 1.66 metres.

Propulsion will be via electrically-driven azimuthing rudderpropellers of 250 kW each, driven by 133 kW diesel generators and battery packs. Additionally, an exhaust-cleaning system will be fitted to further reduce emissions of toxic exhaust gases and particulates.

This type of propulsion combined with the exhaust-cleaning system will result in a fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly ferry, which will be a valuable, innovative addition to the Dutch ferry fleet.

The ferry will carry 410 passengers, and delivery is expected later this year.

By Jake Frith