Sea trials begin for new electric ferry for Molslinjen

A new double-ended Ro-Pax ferry ordered by Danish ferry company Molslinjen has been launched into the water for the first time.

Nerthus was designed by Danish naval architecture firm OSK Design in compliance to Bureau Veritas (BV) class rules and Danish flag regulations.

The ferry has a length of 116.8 metres, a beam of 18.2 metres, a draught of 3.2 metres, space for 600 passengers and 188 vehicles, and a propulsion arrangement consisting of batteries, permanent magnet motors, and four azimuthing thrusters. Four 493ekW generators powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) will serve as backups for the batteries.

The vessel is also designed to comply with BV's autonomous functionality notations such as those for auto-crossing and auto-berthing operations. This will allow for optimised operation while increasing energy efficiency.

The ferry has been laid out to ensure a high degree of passenger comfort through compliance with Scandinavian accommodation standards.

Nerthus will be operated on Molslinjen's Bøjden-Fynshav and Ballen-Kalundborg routes following delivery.