The Fjords welcomes its 2nd all-electric passenger ship

Norwegian transportation company The Fjords has taken delivery of its second all-electric passenger ship, Legacy of The Fjords.

The newbuild, which was originally scheduled for delivery in July 2019, will join its sister ships, Vision of The Fjords and Future of The Fjords, operating off the west coast of Norway.

According to John Vonli, Managing Director of The Fjords, the delivery of the Legacy of The Fjords marks an important milestone for the company.

“Our mission has been to share the fjord experience with as many people as possible while reducing our impact on a fragile eco-system,” he said.

“With three ships powered by clean electricity now in operation, we can welcome up to 1,200 visitors at a time to enjoy a unique experience without compromising the environment.”

Like its sister ship Future of The Fjords, Legacy of The Fjords was designed and constructed by Norwegian shipyard Brødrene Aa, with a hull that echoes zigzagging mountain paths that can be seen from her spacious decks. Both vessels are all-electric, carbon fibre catamarans offering completely emissions-free transport for up to 400 passengers through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord route between Flåm and Gudvangen.

Vonli notes that the Servogear Ecoflow propulsion system aboard the Legacy of The Fjords is not only a zero-emissions solution, it enhances the passenger experience.

“Unlike noisy diesel engines which emit exhaust, the all-electric engines found on the Legacy of The Fjords are clean and silent,” he explained.

“Passengers can now glide effortlessly over the water and come closer to nature than ever before.”

Legacy of The Fjords includes some refinements — the vessel can be charged and loaded on both sides, and passengers can board or exit from either the port or starboard entryways. In addition, the vessel has space for three dedicated conference zones, each one equipped with projectors, screens and audio systems.

The NOK 130 million vessel is propelled by two 450kW electric motors, enabling cruising speeds of 16 knots. Together with Brødrene Aa, the company developed a charging station called the Power Dock, a 40-metre long, 5-metre wide floating glass-fibre charging station in Gudvangen. The station houses a 2.4 MWh battery pack, allowing for a stable, efficient and cost-effective charging time of about 20 minutes. The dock also stores consumables, fuel for sister vessels, and allows black water to be offloaded for treatment on land.

Legacy of The Fjords is expected to enter service on 17 July, ferrying passengers between Flåm and Nærøyfjorden.

The Fjords operates a fleet of seven vessels on the Western Norwegian fjords of Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord, Hjørundfjord Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord. The company is co-owned by Fjord 1, Norway’s largest ferry company, and Flåm AS, which works to promote Flåm’s tourism opportunities.