EST-Floattech, a Dutch provider of energy storage systems, has been awarded a contract to supply their Octopus Series battery system for a new electric fast ferry commissioned by the German ferry company Reederei Norden-Frisia AG.
AG Reederei Norden-Frisia is committed to achieving a greener future and has enlisted Dutch shipbuilder Damen to construct the electric ferry.
The addition of this fully electric catamaran (LOA length 32 m/105 ft) will expand the fleet of Reederei Norden-Frisia. The E-Cat Ferry, equipped with the high-energy Octopus Series battery system from EST-Floattech, has max passenger capacity of 150 and max speed of 16 knots/30 kph/19 mph. It also boasts a quick charging capability, enabling it to charge within just 30 minutes.
EST-Floattech carefully determined the size of the battery system by analyzing performance and lifetime data, considering the specific load profile of the vessel. The electrical installation will be handled by Royal van der Leun, a system integrator. The battery system has received Lloyd's Register type approval, and the ferry will operate under Lloyd's Register classification.
The ferry will serve the route between Norddeich and the island of Norderney, requiring Damen to develop a completely new vessel known as the E-Cat ferry, or the Damen electric fast ferry (EFF) 3209.
The design had to account for the shallow waters in which the ferry will operate and the need to make seven trips per day, limiting the vessel's draft to a maximum of 1.2 meters.
After constructing the hull at Damen's Kozle yard, it will be transported to Damen Shipyards Gorinchem for outfitting. The delivery of the vessel to Norden-Frisia is scheduled for May 2024.