VESSEL REVIEW | Gorinchem XII – Electric double-ended ferries for Dutch inland transport company

Dutch transport company Riveer has begun operating two new electric-powered, double-ended ferries in a series built by a partnership of the Holland Shipyards Group and Polish shipyard Alumare.

Built to a design by local naval architecture firm CoCo Yachts, the catamaran ferries Altena VI and Gorinchem XII will be operated by Riveer in serving the Dutch municipalities of Altena and Gorinchem, respectively. Design work on the ferries was done in compliance to Bureau Veritas class requirements. In addition to manufacturing the two ferries, the Holland Shipyards Group also provided the necessary loading infrastructure on shore as well as shore charging stations and other adjustments to the mooring facilities.

Each ferry has all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 35.3 metres, a beam of 7.6 metres, a maximum draught of 1.65 metres,  and capacity for 100 passengers and 100 bicycles. Loading and unloading are done via ramps on the opposite ends of each vessel, providing a significant improvement over the earlier gangway-equipped ferries in the Riveer fleet. Because the ferries no longer need to change their orientation during berthing and unberthing, less energy is consumed.

The electric propulsion system consists of EST-Floattech batteries connected to two 171kW PM motors with Veth VL-160-CR azimuthing L-drives. The new ferries were designed to help generate 1,000 to 1,600 tonnes fewer CO2 emissions compared to similar vessels. The vessels were also built to be as lightweight as possible to maximise their operating efficiency and to reduce maintenance requirements. Even their hulls were deliberately left unpainted so as not to add unnecessary weight.

The wheelhouse on each ferry also boasts a high degree of automation. This allows navigation and the raising and lowering of the two ramps to be performed by only one crewmember if needed.

Altena VI and Gorinchem XII have already begun operational sailings along inland routes that include their namesake municipalities as well as the municipality of Hardinxveld-Giessendam.

Click here to read other news stories, features, opinion articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.