German company Reederei Norden-Frisia’s purely electrically powered new catamaran (e-Kat) has successfully completed the official acceptance voyages, meaning that all requirements for official approval for entry into service from its home port of Norddeich have been met.
The 32.3m long aluminium-hulled e-Kat is believed to be the first purely electrically powered German seagoing vessel. It is part of AG Reederei Norden-Frisia’s comprehensive sustainability concept. The shore-based charging infrastructure has largely been installed. Interestingly, this will be fed by solar power from PV panels installed on the company’s buildings and over 600 parking spaces at the port in Norddeich. These parking spaces include charging stations for electric vehicles. Charging for the ferry, at full power of 1,800kW, has already been tested on the pier. With the e-catamaran, the travel time between Norddeich and the island of Norderney will be almost halved.
Michael Garrelts, technical inspector, Reederei Norden-Frisia, said: “As things stand, we can start the season as planned with regular trips between Norddeich and Norderney.”
Shipping company board member Cal-Ulfert Stegmann added: “Our long-term goal is to create a closed cycle of electricity production and electricity consumption. We will not cause any CO₂ emissions.”
The voyage time with the E-Kat to Norderney will be just 30 minutes. Once back in Norddeich, the battery is recharged in around 28 minutes and the E-Kat can then start its next journey to the island. The plan is to use the ship in the high season and to sail to the island of Norderney up to eight times a day.
The vessel can carry a maximum of 150 passengers, and powered by two 600kW electric motors, with two 75kW bow thrusters for manoeuvring, it can reach a maximum speed of 19 knots.
Image: Believed to be Germany’s first purely electric seagoing vessel, the e-Kat will shortly enter service (source: Reederei Norden-Frisia)
