VESSEL REVIEW | Frisia E-I – German operator places electric ferry into service on Wadden Sea

German shipping company Reederei Norden-Frisia recently took delivery of a new all-electric ferry.

The vessel, which has been named Frisia E-I, was delivered shortly after the completion of its final acceptance trials, which fulfiled the requirements for official approval, the necessary permits, the conclusion of necessary insurance, and the transfer to its home port of Norddeich.

The necessary charging infrastructure on land has also been installed, and charging at full power of 1,800 kW has already been tested at the pier. Reederei Norden-Frisia said that the electricity supplied by the shore charging station is generated by renewable sources.

The 32.3- by 9.6-metre (106- by 31-foot) Frisia E-I is the first purely electric seagoing vessel in operation in Germany, according to Reederei Norden-Frisia. It has a passenger capacity of 150 and is fitted with two 600kW electric motors driving propellers. Two electrically driven 75kW bow thrusters are also fitted to provide additional lateral manoeuvrability.

Faster transits with zero emissions

Given the shallow waterways in which it will operate, the vessel has been designed with twin hulls giving it a draught of just 1.2 metres (3.9 feet). These aluminium hulls together with a superstructure, also made of aluminium, ensure that the weight has been kept to a minimum, enabling the vessel to operate at speeds of up to 19 knots, though its assigned route has a maximum permitted speed of 16 knots.

Reederei Norden-Frisia said that the travel time between Norddeich and the island of Norderney to be reduced by nearly half to just 28 minutes, and that charging of the batteries to full capacity can be completed in as little as 28 minutes. This then results in faster turnarounds, which would allow the vessel to complete up to eight round trips in one day.

Enhanced visibility from main and upper deck spaces

Other features include sanitary facilities and oversized windows to allow passengers to enjoy the views of the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest tidal flats system and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A raised wheelhouse is fitted with a Furuno radar and searchlights and also provides improved all-round visibility for the crew.

The acquisition of Frisia E-I is in line with Reederei Norden-Frisia’s long-term goal of creating a closed cycle of electricity production and electricity consumption.