The first Stena Line zero-emissions ferry powered by batteries could start operation this year via batteries supplied by Callenberg Technology Group.
The new deal between Callenberg and Stena will see the batteries installed onboard combined passenger & freight ferry Stena Jutlandica, which operates between Port of Gothenburg and Port of Frederikshavn. In case the project is successful, other ships in the fleet of Stena Line including 38 vessels could become battery operated.
The technology lies upon plug-in hybrid technology and the batteries are charged when the vessel is connected to shore power. However, they can also be charged while operating ship's generators.
- The project's first stage, to begin immediately, involves switching on 1MWh batteries for bow thrusters as well as maneuvering when berthing in cruise port.
- In the second step, 20MWh batteries are connected to propellers, meaning that the Stena Jutlandica ferry can be operated on electricity within about 10 nautical miles.
- Battery capacity is around 50MWh in the third step, enabling a ship to operate about 50 nautical miles, the distance Gothenburg-Frederikshavn.
The technical solutions are developed with Stena Teknik. The first phase is supported and partly financed by Swedish Maritime Administration and the European Union.