The all-electric ferry ‘Ellen’, which operates between the South Danish islands of Ærø and Als, recently sailed 50 naut miles (92km) on a single battery charge, which Danfoss believes represents a new world record.
The ferry was on show at the International Energy Agency’s Annual Conference on Energy Efficiency in Sønderborg, Denmark, and the record distance was achieved on Ellen’s return journey.
Henrik Hagbarth Mikkelsen. Senior Lecturer, Marstal Naval Academy, who helped specify the technical solutions for the ferry during its design, said: “The 92km trip on a single battery charge is the longest planned distance for an electric ferry able to carry both passengers and vehicles to date anywhere on the globe. We are talking about a clear record. On its normal, daily trips, the ferry sails 22 naut miles, or 40km, from harbour to harbour before recharging.”
Ellen emits zero carbon and operates at 24% lower cost than a new diesel ferry. She started sailing in 2019. Danfoss supplied the electric Editron drivetrains and propulsion motors for the ferry.
Kimmo Rauma, Danfoss Editron VP, said: “Ellen is an excellent example of the future for electric transport. It’s cleaner, greener, and more efficient than her fossil fuel competitors. Electrifying maritime transport is a clear-cut way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And Danfoss has the solutions to build new electric ferries and to retrofit existing ones to electrify them with the potential to reduce carbon emissions all over the world.”
