The 129-metre ferries, destined for service on Denmark’s busy Kattegat route, are expected to become the largest electric ferries operating in Europe.
“This project shows that large-scale, high-speed electric ferries are no longer a future concept, they are being delivered today,” said Robert Clifford, chariman, Incat.
“Previously, electric ferries have been limited to short, low-speed routes. What we’re delivering now is a new class of vessel – high-speed, high-capacity, low-emission ferries capable of operating on some of the world’s busiest routes.”
Commercial partnerships
The project combines large-scale battery-electric propulsion, high-capacity port charging and integrated energy systems to demonstrate how vessel decarbonisation can be achieved at commercial scale without sacrificing speed or passenger capacity.
When completed, the vessels will operate at speeds of up to 40 knots while carrying as many as 1,500 passengers, marking a significant milestone for electric ferry deployment in high-demand commercial operations.
Rapid charging capability in port is also expected to support fast vessel turnaround times and improve operational efficiency.
Wärtsilä said the project highlights the growing importance of integrated propulsion and energy solutions as the maritime sector accelerates vessel decarbonisation strategies.
Once complete, the ferries will support Molslinjen’s transition toward lower-emission ferry transport across one of Europe’s busiest maritime corridors.
