Wagenborg invests in the future with a multi-million euro deal for eco-friendly high-speed ferry

Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten, a subsidiary of Dutch shipowner and operator Royal Wagenborg, has signed a multi-million euro contract with compatriot Next Generation Shipyards to build a new eco-friendly high-speed ferry that would serve the route between Ameland and Holwert.

The newbuilding, which will accommodate 75 passengers, was reportedly designed to address the growing demand and accessibility pressures of Wadden Island where the Ameland municipality is located. As disclosed, the ferry is scheduled for a handover to Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten by the end of 2025, with operations expected to commence in early 2026.

It is understood that Next Generation Shipyards will construct the vessel in collaboration with several subcontractors from the Northern Netherlands.

According to Wagenborg, the ‘Wadden Ferry’ design was tailored to the conditions of the Wadden Sea. Owing to its 80-centimeter draft, the unit is anticipated to provide a ‘more reliable’ and ‘efficient’ navigation, particularly in shallow water conditions.

The company has also highlighted that the ship is set to be outfitted with a new ‘high-efficiency’ waterjet propulsion system which, combined with the ‘optimized’ vessel design, could lead to a greater reduction in fuel consumption.

As per Wagenborg, the newbuild will run on biodiesel with an option for it to be fully converted to electric propulsion in the future.

Moreover, its three engines were reportedly engineered to minimize the release of harmful pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), meaning that they are compliant with stringent emissions regulations. In fact, Wagenborg expects that the ferry’s CO2 emissions per crossing will be 50% lower than its 2012-built fast ferry MS Fostaborg currently serving the Ameland-Holwert route.

As informed, given the larger passenger capacity, emissions per traveler could also be slashed by what is estimated to be more than 70% than the present service.

Sharing her thoughts about this development, Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten’s Managing Director Jieskje Hollander stated: “We feel responsible for fulfilling the vital lifeline function between the island and the mainland in the best possible way for the long term. That is why we continue to develop our services, and this new vessel is a great example of that.”

Electric fast ferries—and fast ferries designed for future electric conversion like Wagenborg’s newbuilding—have played an increasingly important role in making maritime transport more sustainable. High-speed ferries, which require more power than conventional ones, often rely on fossil fuels but fully electric units can eliminate direct emissions, while hybrid or biodiesel-powered vessels that can later be converted allow for a gradual transition to eventual zero-emission operations.

The maritime industry saw a string of developments within this segment over the past couple of years. In May 2022—less than a year after construction began—‘the world’s first’ fully electric and zero-emission fast ferry classed as a high-speed craft MS Medstraum set on a sail to Stavanger, Norway, its home port.

More recently, namely in September 2024, Australian manufacturer of high-speed catamaran ferries Incat Tasmania revealed that work had started on what was described as the “world’s largest” electric ferry. The unit, which will operate between Argentina and Uruguay, is slated for delivery in late 2025.