German operator SFK takes delivery of full-electric ferry outfitted with Est- floattech’s green orca battery system
Dutch marine battery system supplier EST-Floattech has delivered 1092kWh of battery capacity for the new full-electric ferry Wellingdorf under a contract with system integrator Holland Ship Electric. The zero-emission vessel is the fifth in a series of six hybrid and full-electric vessels commissioned by Kiel-based tug and ferry operator SFK. It was designed and built by Holland Shipyards Group. The final vessel in the series, the hybrid Schilksee, is expected to be delivered in early 2026.
Footprint Reduction in Kiel
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 also includes the emission-free passenger ferry Dürstenbrook, and forms part of SFK’s fleet renewal plan, which emphasizes lower environmental impact and upgraded services. This initiative aligns with the City of Kiel’s goal of achieving CO₂ neutrality by 2050.
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) supported the project by contributing approximately 15 percent to the total construction cost under Germany’s Clean Air program.
EST-Floattech expressed pride in being part of these initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to zero-emission shipping.
Characteristics of Wellingdorf
The Wellingdorf measures 24.7 x 7.2 meters and can transport up to 140 pedestrians and 60 cyclists. Its split battery system provides redundancy, eliminating the need for a diesel engine as backup power. The vessel is also equipped with an automated electric-hydraulic mooring system, allowing the propulsion system to be powered down while moored, which further reduces energy consumption. Additionally, 20 solar panels are installed on the roof to supply power to the onboard network.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 44 No.5 Issue last October 31, 2022.
