VESSEL REVIEW | Hinnoy – Electric ferry to serve Torghatten Nord's routes in northern Norway

A new battery-powered Ro-Pax ferry was recently handed over to Norwegian transport company Torghatten Nord.

Hinnøy was designed by the Norwegian Ship Design Company in compliance with DNV class rules. The steel-hulled, double-ended ferry has a length of 117.1 metres (384.2 feet), a moulded beam of 18.8 metres (61.7 feet), a draught of five metres (16 feet), a gross tonnage of 7,200, a deadweight of 825, and space for 399 passengers and up to 120 vehicles.

Flexible, low-emission propulsion arrangement

A 4.75MWh battery pack drives two 1.8MW motors connected to Schottel 460 azimuthing controllable-pitch propellers to provide enhanced manoeuvrability and to enable the ferry to reach a service speed of 14 knots.

The speed allows the ferry to sail one-way between the northern Norwegian towns of Bognes and Lødingen within one hour, making it one of the fastest vessels of its kind in operation on the route.

Fast charging stations that each have a rated output of 9.2 MWh will be available at both stops with the power supplied by the national grid. The ferry is also equipped with four Scania DI16M generators powered by biodiesel to serve as backup if shore power charging is unavailable.

Hinnøy is fitted with independent propulsion and power systems. This will ensure that the ferry will still be able to sail under its own power even if one of the propulsion systems has been rendered inoperative by damage due to fire or flooding.

Ample onboard amenities

The onboard facilities include lounges with mess tables, port and starboard viewing areas with large windows, and a snack bar, allowing passengers to travel in relative comfort on each one-hour crossing.

Çita Marine provided the furniture with durable ergonomic features and was also responsible for the flooring and ceiling panel installation work.