Leikanger – the ultimate unit of three zero-emission battery-powered ROpax ferries constructed by Sembcorp Marine for Norled primarily based on a proprietary design by wholly-owned subsidiary LMG Marin [Photo: SCM, all rights reserved]
The third of three an identical battery-powered zero-emission ROpax ferries constructed by Singapore’s Sembcorp Marine has been handed over to Norwegian ferry operator Norled AS. The vessel, the Leikanger, is now headed to Norway on board a RollDock dry tow transport vessel.
With a service pace of 10 knots, the 82.4-meter lengthy multi-deck, double-ended ferry has the capability to hold 300 individuals, in addition to 80 automobiles or a mixture of as much as 10 automobiles and 10 trailer vans.
Constructed primarily based on a proprietary design developed by Sembcorp Marine’s wholly-owned Norwegian-based subsidiary, LMG Marin AS, Leikanger incorporates a spread of environmentally-friendly options. Like its sister ferries, Hella and Dragsvik, which sailed off in March and July final yr, Leikanger runs on lithium-ion batteries that can be charged by hydro-electric energy. The vessel can be capable of function in hybrid mode, using mixed battery-diesel energy, instead.
The ferry is supplied with capabilities for optimum efficiency and enhanced vitality effectivity, with options corresponding to quick-connection shore charging plugs, auto-mooring and auto-cross capabilities, environment friendly hull, propulsion and warmth restoration methods, in addition to minimized resort and auxiliary load options.
Leikanger can be deployed on Norled’s quick sea Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik connections in Norway, becoming a member of the primary sister unit Hella, which commenced service in May 2022, and second sister vessel Dragsvik, which began operations in December 2022.
“We are pleased that our proprietary zero-emission ROpax vessel design and innovative hydro-electrification technology have been successfully integrated into the development of Norled’s three battery-operated ferries built by the Group,” mentioned LMG Marin managing director Torbjorn Bringedal. “Custom-designed to fulfill Norled’s sustainability, safety and operational requirements, these ROpax ferries will further enhance Norled’s strategic positioning as a leading operator of sustainable ferry services.”
“Our close partnership with Norled has enabled us to successfully complete the triple Ropax newbuilds,” mentioned Tan Heng Jack, head of specialised shipbuilding at Sembcorp Marine. “We join Norled in celebrating the successful completion of Leikanger with zero lost-time incident and its sailaway for deployment in Norway, together with sister vessels, Hella and Dragsvik, to enhance Norled’s green fleet operations.”
Wong Weng Sun, Sembcorp Marine President & CEO, mentioned: “Sembcorp Marine continues to advance environmental sustainability through developing industry-leading solutions to drive the global transition towards cleaner energy solutions and maritime decarbonization. The successful completion of the final unit of Norled’s series of three zero-emission ROpax ferries is a validation of our green innovation capabilities and proven expertise in delivering sustainable solutions for the offshore, marine and energy industries.”
