Wärtsilä to deliver electric propulsion for a third Danish ferry

Being built by Incat Tasmania, the 129m x 30.5m ferries can each accommodate 1,483 passengers and 500 cars and will serve the Kattegat route for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen from 2027.

Wärtsilä will also supply the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets, all controlled by its ProTouch control system.

“This series of battery-electric ships highlights the ferry industry’s focus towards decarbonised operations,” said Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine & executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Wärtsilä is similarly committed to supporting the decarbonisation of shipping, and our technology reflects our emphasis on sustainability, innovation and performance. The move towards net-zero emissions is well under way, and we at Wärtsilä are proud to be at the forefront of this transition.”

“Electrification is very much the future for ferry operators around the world, and battery-based propulsion is a very viable option for owners and operators looking to increase the sustainability of their fleets,” said Stephen Casey, CEO, Incat. “Large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, but are ready and available today.”

Wärtsilä says the electric-driven waterjet configuration features low weight, shallow draft operation, low maintenance and easy access, with good manoeuvrability thanks to the integrated steering and reversing with quick response times.

As the power is divided over more jets, the power density is lower, which delivers higher efficiency, it says.

The Wärtsilä equipment for this third vessel is scheduled for delivery to the yard in 2027.