Dutch JV orders Damen low-emission ferries

Dutch ferry joint venture Aqualiner-Swets has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract to supply nine new low-emission ferries for operation in the cities of Rotterdam, Sliedrecht, Dordrecht, and Kinderdijk.

Six of the ferries will be hybrid-powered and may be converted to accommodate all-electric propulsion in future while the remaining three will be fully electric from the outset. All nine vessels will have carbon fibre hulls.

The vessels will begin operations in 2022 in fulfilment of a concession wherein Aqualiner-Swets will provide commuter ferry services in the four Dutch cities for a maximum of 15 years.