Siemens proves pioneer position delivering green solutions in the ...

Pioneering work in Finland: "Elektra" – Full "electrically propelled" speed ahead

In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. The Elektra is also Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip. The ferry purchased by FinFerries will now be traveling this route every 15 minutes. The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.

Pioneering work in Finland: "Elektra" – Full "electrically propelled" speed ahead

In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. The Elektra is also Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip. The ferry purchased by FinFerries will now be traveling this route every 15 minutes. The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.

Pioneering work in Finland: "Elektra" – Full "electrically propelled" speed ahead

In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. The Elektra is also Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip. The ferry purchased by FinFerries will now be traveling this route every 15 minutes. The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.

Pioneering work in Finland: "Elektra" – Full "electrically propelled" speed ahead

In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. The Elektra is also Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip. The ferry purchased by FinFerries will now be traveling this route every 15 minutes. The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.

Pioneering work in Finland: "Elektra" – Full "electrically propelled" speed ahead

In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. The Elektra is also Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip. The ferry purchased by FinFerries will now be traveling this route every 15 minutes. The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.

Pioneering work in Finland: "Elektra" – Full "electrically propelled" speed ahead

In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. The Elektra is also Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip. The ferry purchased by FinFerries will now be traveling this route every 15 minutes. The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.

World's first electrically powered boat for fish farming goes into operation in Norway

The world's first battery-powered work boat for fish farming has been brought into operation in Norway. The "Elfrida" electric boat is used off the coast of Central Norway by Salmar Farming AS, a Norwegian salmon farmer. Siemens developed and supplied the complete electrical propulsion and control system to the local shipbuilding company, Ørnli Slipp.

World's first electrically powered boat for fish farming goes into operation in Norway

The "Elfrida" has been sailing out of its home port of the Island of Frøya, in Norway, since February. The work boat is used to transport feed and equipment, to repair or relocate fish cages, check anchorages, and make inspections. The ship is equipped with the BlueDrive PlusC propulsion system from Siemens, which incorporates an energy management system, thruster and propeller controls, and EcoMain remote monitoring.

Siemens is pioneer in green solutions for shipbuilding

In November 2016, Siemens won a supply contract for two new battery-powered ferries. The ferries are operated by FosenNamsos Sjø AS and will sail the 7.2 km route between Flakk and Rorvik on the west coast of Norway. Both vessels can carry 130 cars and 390 passengers and are due to go into operation in 2019.

Siemens wins third electric ferry contract

Siemens will supply propulsion systems for two new battery ferries. The vessels operated by Fjord1 will ply the E39 Anda-Lote route on the west coast of Norway. With this contract, the first four battery-driven ferries in the world will run on technology developed and manufactured by Siemens.

Setting a Course for Carbon-Free Shipping

The first electric car and passenger ferry in the world, equipped by Siemens in cooperation with shipbuilder Fjellstrand, has been taken into operation. With three battery packs, one on board and one at each pier, it functions completely emission free.

Finland's first battery-powered ferry represents milestone towards clean shipping

Further milestone towards clean shipping: The Finnish shipping company FinFerries has opted for environmentally-friendly technology by ordering the country's first battery-powered car ferry. Siemens will provide the complete electro-technical solution for this ferry. This draft shows a part of the 1.6 kilometer long Parainen –Nauvo route, where operation will begin in summer 2017.

Rapid Charging

The batteries are charged from hydro power. This battery pack onboard, like the ones on each pier, corresponds to the effect of 1600 standard car batteries. The charging at each peer takes only ten minutes.

Managing the Energy Flow

The energy management system (EMS) is preprogrammed with curves giving engine fuel consumption under different load conditions. The EMS interfaces with sub-controllers for gensets, thrusters and remote controls to monitor and set optimal engine speed.

Integrated Control Systems

The ship's genset, switchboard, propulsion and thruster control systems are fully integrated to ensure seamless ship operation.

Charging while Waiting

The 260-kWh battery units supply electricity to the ferry while it waits. Afterward, the battery slowly recoups all of this energy from the grid until the ship comes back again to drop off passengers and recharge.

Traveling the Fjord 34 Times a Day

The fully electric ferry operates across the six kilometer long route E39, between Lavik and Oppedal, north of Bergen in Norway. It travels the fjord 34 times a day, with each trip taking around 20 minutes.

Competition for a Concession

This unique solution is a result of a competition that the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration launched in 2010. The one succeeding to develop a solution for an electrical ferry would receive a concession for 10 years.

Recharging in the Harbor

Charging stations are housed in small buildings about the size of newsstands.

Silent Car Ferry

With its 80 meter length and 20 meters width, the ferry transports up to 120 cars and 360 passengers. It is made exclusively of light aluminum rather than the steel normally used in shipbuilding. This makes Ampere only half as heavy as a conventional ferry.

Saving the Power Grid

Because the power grid in Oppedal and Lavik is not dimensioned for this kind of charging system, Siemens came up with the solutions of installing three battery packs: one on board the ferry, and one on each shore side. The battery packs on shore are charged continuously and transferred to the ferry when at pier.

Charging Wires

Siemens put up charging stations with lithium-ion batteries which are charged from renewable energy, namely hydro power. With the change to battery, ship owner Norled is reducing the cost of fuel by up to 60 percent.

Ingenious Charging System

The charging system from Siemens includes a battery system, a variable frequency drive, transformers for onshore electricity and high-voltage systems, as well as software and signal system for the charging system. In addition, the compony delivered a radio link system that will steer the flow of signals between the ferry and its charging stations.