Kongsberg readies for car ferry hybrid conversion project in Sweden

Norwegian technology provider Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract to convert a double-ended car ferry operated by Swedish ferry transportation company Öresundlinjen to emission-free battery-powered operation.

As disclosed, the vessel in question is the 111.2-meter-long MF Hamlet, which services the route between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, across the northern and narrowest part of the Øresund strait, considered to be one of the ‘world’s busiest’ international car ferry routes.

The project’s goal is described as an ambition to ‘achieve zero emissions and enable fully electric battery-powered operation with mechanical propulsion redundancy.’

Per Kongsberg, the conversion task is slated for November 2025 at Øresund Drydocks in Sweden, but the vessel is expected to visit the yard in March during scheduled maintenance docking for preparation work before the summer season and the upcoming outfitting.

The scope of Kongsberg’s work is said to consist of fitting the ship with large battery packs, rebuilding MF Hamlet’s four US 3001 Controllable Pitch azimuth thrusters to electric operation by installing permanent magnet (PM) motors on each thruster. It is understood that the ferry will keep existing diesel engines as backup.

As informed, the car ferry will charge its batteries shoreside, connecting to the currently available charging robots.

Moreover, the Norway-based technology player said it would provide an energy, automation and control package, comprising an interface for the main switchboard, retrofitting the K-Chief 600 to the new K-Chief system with an energy management system, and implementing the M-con thruster control.

Company representatives highlighted that plans are underway to also install Kongsberg’s auto-crossing and auto-docking solutions that automate transit and harbour maneuvers.

Energy storage systems, according to Kongsberg, are going to be provided by Swedish maritime battery system supplier Echandia, while Øresund Drydocks will handle the mechanical conversion.

In addition to this, Denmark’s engineering firm SH Group is anticipated to create and install deck houses and make sure that cabling is routed ‘correctly’ and that the new equipment is installed and wired “as planned.”

Sharing his thoughts regarding this development, Martin Kjøraas, Head of Aftermarket Sales Seaborne, Integration and Energy at Kongsberg Maritime, concluded: “The continuous collaboration between Öresundlinjen, the yard, and all sub-suppliers has been exceptional in the project preparation phase, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this conversion will have on the environment and the efficiency of this busy ferry route.”