With 2019 seeing the greatest climate change movement in recent years, it has been no surprise that the market for hybrid ferries has exploded. Here is what to expect from the ferry industry for the rest of 2019 and beyond.

Scandlines to Install Rotor Engine into Existing Ship

Scandlines have recently commissioned Norsepower to install a rotor sail onto their existing hybrid passenger ship, MV Copenhagen. Since 2013, the company have invested more than €300m in building and retrofitting ferries from conventional diesel-driven to hybrid ferries.

According to Scandlines CEO Søren Poulsgaard Jensen

"By installing a Rotor Sail, we can reduce CO2 emissions on the Rostock-Gedser route by four to five per cent."

Upgrading the existing system from a diesel engine to a battery-hybrid marks the start of a new age of shipbuilding, where existing models can be enhanced to be more environmentally friendly.

The building work is set to be completed by the start of 2020 with MV Copenhagen returning to the water soon after.

Ferry Operator TS Laevad to Commission Hybrid Ferry Upgrade

Norwegian Electric Systems have signed a contract with the Estonian shipbuilder, Baltic Workboats, to replace the existing diesel engine on their ferry, Toll, with a more environmentally friendly battery powered hybrid.

TS Laevad is an extension of the existing port company, Tallinna Sadam and currently operates between Western Estonia’s major islands and mainland, marking the ship as one of the first hybrid operatives within the area.

The improvement will reduce diesel emissions of the ship by over one fifth with the solution and batteries supplied by LMG Marin and Corvus Energy, respectively.

Work is expected to commence by Christmas and Toll will resume her sailing schedule, powered by hybrid by February 2020, at the latest.

Which other hybrid vessels are in development? Let us know