Germany's first all-electric seagoing ferry passes acceptance trials

A new electric-powered catamaran ferry for Germany's Reederei Norden-Frisia successfully completed official acceptance trials last week.

The trials of the 32.3-metre E-Kat fulfilled the requirements for official approval, the necessary permits, the conclusion of necessary insurance and also the transfer to its home port of Norddeich, scheduled for later this month.

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.

The ferry is the first purely electrically powered German seagoing vessel, according to Reederei Norden-Frisia.

The travel time between Norddeich and Norderney is expected to be almost halved, taking only 30 minutes. Once back in Norddeich, the battery is recharged in about 28 minutes. The plan is to use the ship in the high season and to make the return run up to eight times per day.

The aluminium E-Kat has a passenger capacity of 150 and will be propelled by two 600kW electric motors, for a top speed of 19 knots.