Sembcorp Marine delivers final zero-emission battery-powered RoPax to Norled

Singapore-based shipbuilder Sembcorp Marine has completed the final unit of three identical fully battery-operated roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) ferries for Norwegian ferry operator Norled.

On 9 January, Sembcorp Marine said it had marked the sailaway of the final unit, following the vessel’s handover to Norled.

The vessel, named Leikanger, will now join its sister vessels Hella and Dragsvik, which sailed off in March and July 2022.

Like its sister vessels, Leikanger was constructed based on a proprietary design developed by Sembcorp Marine’s wholly-owned subsidiary LMG Marin.

It runs on lithium-ion batteries charged by hydro-electric power and is also able to operate in hybrid mode utilising combined battery-diesel power as an alternative.

According to Sembcorp Marine, the vessel is equipped with capabilities for optimal performance and enhanced energy efficiency, with innovative features such as quick-connection shore charging plugs, auto-mooring and auto-cross capabilities, efficient hull, propulsion and heat recovery systems, as well as minimised hotel and auxiliary load solutions.

The ferry will be deployed on Norled’s shortsea Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik connections in Norway, joining the first sister unit Hella, which commenced service in May 2022, and the second sister vessel Dragsvik, which started operations in December 2022.

With a service speed of 10 knots, the 82.4-metre long multi-deck, the double-ended ferry has the capacity to carry 300 persons, as well as 80 cars or a combination of up to 10 cars and 10 trailer trucks.

The three zero-emission RoPax ferries are expected to advance Norled’s objective of driving the green shift towards sustainable ferry operations and decarbonisation in the marine industry.

LMG Marin Managing Director Torbjorn Bringedal said: “We are pleased that our proprietary zero-emission RoPax vessel design and innovative hydro-electrification technology have been successfully integrated into the development of Norled’s three battery-operated ferries built by the Group. Custom-designed to fulfil Norled’s sustainability, safety and operational requirements, these RoPax ferries will further enhance Norled’s strategic positioning as a leading operator of sustainable ferry services.”

Wong Weng Sun, Sembcorp Marine President & CEO, added: “Sembcorp Marine continues to advance environmental sustainability through developing industry-leading solutions to drive the global transition towards cleaner energy solutions and maritime decarbonisation. The successful completion of the final unit of Norled’s series of three zero-emission RoPax ferries is a validation of our green innovation capabilities and proven expertise in delivering sustainable solutions for the offshore, marine and energy industries.”