The world’s most powerful electric ferry is finally through commissioning, and operating between the Danish islands of Ærø and Fynshav. They call her Ellen, although they might have called her Tesla because she is as revolutionary. And she doesn’t have an emergency backup diesel generator either. The oil is for french fries and the gearbox, Captain Larsen told Adrienne Murray writing for BBC proudly.
The Oil is for French Fries and Ellen is Keeping Quiet
Ferry shipping is traditionally a noisy, oily business, leaving marine diesel or heavy fuel oil pollution everywhere the vessels go. By contrast, Ellen is very quiet with hardly any emissions, and delivers a vibration-free ride.
John Stansfield for Cruise Mapper confirms Ellen is 200 feet from stem to stern, and 40 at the widest point. There is space for 31 cars on the open deck, or 5 trucks . Maximum passenger load is 198 people, although on rainy days only 147 will be able to shelter in the cabin. The 4.3 MWh battery pack from Swiss firm Leclanché is good for a 25-mile round trip. This is seven times longer than any other pure-electric ferry.
Behind the Scenes on the All-Electric Ferry Ellen
The oil is for french fries and other tasty treats the passengers are tucking into, some perhaps oblivious of this remarkable achievement. Ellen will save 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, compared to the diesel ferry she replaced.
Behind the scenes, two heavy fireproof doors reveal 840 lithium-ion batteries stacked from floor to ceiling with foam fire suppression. A one-way 25-mile trip takes just over an hour. An electric arm engages after docking, for a recharge that takes less than half an hour. This is ample time for passengers and vehicles to disembark, and the next ones to take their place for the return voyage.
Operating costs are a quarter of an equivalent diesel ferry. Only the electric motor bearings require regular maintenance. The $24-million Ellen cost 40% more to build. However, she should break even in less than five years. Future vessels should cost less thanks to experience gained and falling battery prices.
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Preview Image: E-ferry Ellen Serving Danish Ports
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