German operator SFK has taken delivery of a fully-electric ferry outfitted with EST-Floattech’s Green Orca battery system, enabling it to operate in all-electric mode with no diesel generator backup.
Dutch marine battery system supplier EST-Floattech has delivered 1092kWh of battery capacity for the new ferry, named Wellingdorf, in a contract with system integrator Holland Ship Electric. The zero-emission vessel, the fifth in a series of six hybrid and full-electric vessels for Kiel-based tug and ferry operator SFK, was designed and built by Holland Shipyards Group. The last (hybrid) vessel Schilksee is expected to be delivered in early 2026.
Earlier this year Holland Shipyards Group, in collaboration with Holland Ship Electric and EST-Floattech, delivered the hybrid ferries Friedrichsort, Gaarden and Wik. The series of six also includes the emission-free passenger ferry Dürstenbrook and is part of SFK’s fleet renewal plan focusing on lower environmental impact and upgraded services. This plan is tied to the City of Kiel’s environmental goal of being CO2-neutral by 2050. In turn, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) contributed about 15% to the overall construction cost as part of Germany’s Clean Air programme.
EST-Floattech says it is very proud to be part of these initiatives and continues to strive towards its goal of zero-emission shipping.
The Wellingdorf measures 24.7m x 7.2m and can transport 140 pedestrians and 60 cyclists. Due to the split battery system, the vessel can achieve full redundancy and has no back-up power provided by a diesel engine. In addition, the vessel also boasts an automated, electric-hydraulic mooring system. While moored, the propulsion system needs no power, resulting in even lower energy consumption. With 20 solar panels are installed on the ferry’s roof the batteries can receive charging current during operation without reliance on gensets.
