Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) has signed a new contract to build two additional ferries for Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel (SFK), following delivery of five newbuild ferries since 2020.
The contract includes a hybrid ferry with a capacity of 300 persons and a smaller all electric ferry with a capacity of 140 pedestrians and 60 bicycles. The designs of the vessels similar to the earlier deliveries.
The hybrid ferry, to be named Laboe, will measure 32.4m by 8.8m and will be provided with a hybrid drivetrain that can be powered by either generators or by means of a battery bank. The battery capacity differs from the previously delivered hybrid ferries. The Laboe will be equipped with two 272 kWh energy storage systems, enabling the vessel to sail longer distances on batteries only.
The all electric ferry, to be named Dietrichsdorf, will measure 24.95m by 7.5m and will be provided with an installed battery capacity of 1092 kWh. Like her sister vessels (Düsternbrook and Wellingdorf) she will also be equipped with the non-conventional automated mooring system which features electric-hydraulically operated mooring hooks in both sides of the ship.
The collaboration between SFK and HSG has been valued by both parties over the past years. By delivering five green ferries over the past few years, Holland Shipyards Group has enabled SFK to make good on its promise to provide green transport to the people of Kiel. SFK’s approach to sustainability lies close to HSG’s ethos, as the yard is also actively looking for, and implementing systems and structures for more sustainable shipbuilding.
