A number of all-electric ferries have been witnessed making their ways between the ports in Northern Europe. These ferries move quietly and cleanly while transporting people, cars, and goods. Ellen is the largest electric-ferry in the world and completed its first commercial trip earlier this month between two Danish islands.
Ellen – the world’s largest battery-electric ferry – has taken the place of diesel-powered MF Skjoldnæs for carrying vehicles and passengers between Søby on Ærø island and Fynshav on Als island. Ellen made its inaugural voyage on August 15 and is slated for going into service at the start of September this year. MF Skjoldnæs will not be retired but re-routed.
Ellen measures in at 195 ft by 42 ft – 59.5 meters by 12.8 meters – and has a draft of 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). The hull for this electric-ferry came from Poland in 2017 and has been fitted with electric motors from Visedo that is based in Finland. The hull also features a 4.3 MWh Lithium-ion battery pack that comes from a Swiss company, Leclanché SA. Ellen can sail up to 22 nautical miles while attaining speeds of 15.5 knots. It is capable of carrying about thirty vehicles and two hundred passengers. Once she enters proper service, she will be able to carry out seven return trips on a daily basis.
CEO of Leclanché, Anil Srivastava, said, ‘Over one year, it will prevent the release of 2,000 tonnes of CO2, 42 tonnes of NOX, 2.5 tonnes of particulates and 1.4 tonnes of SO2 into the atmosphere. This project demonstrates that today we can replace fossil fuel thermal drives with clean energy, and thus contribute to the fight against global warming and pollution for the well-being of our communities.’
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