Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to deliver a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for two new high-speed catamaran ferries being built for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen. The vessels will serve the Kattegat route.
The battery-electric vessels are being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania, with Wärtsilä supplying the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets, as well as the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system.
“This is a major project that supports the ferry industry’s move toward more decarbonized operations. With these electric ferries built by Incat and powered by Wärtsilä’s electrification technology, we aim to remove thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions from Denmark’s climate footprint each year,” said Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen.
Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine and executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corporation, said, “Our partnership with Molslinjen and Incat not only brings electric vessels to the Kattegat route, but also continues our joint commitment in accelerating the industry’s path toward net-zero emissions shipping. Wärtsilä’s values and principles in shipping are deeply rooted in sustainability, innovation and performance, and through our experience in vessel electrification, we have already delivered solutions for 150 hybrid-electric ships, with this number continuing to grow.”
The two ferries will each measure 129m in length and 30.5m in width, accommodating up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars. The addition of these new vessels will increase total capacity for cars and passengers on the Kattegat route by more than 25%. The ships are expected to join the fleet in Denmark during 2027 and 2028.
According to Wärtsilä, the eight electric driven waterjet configuration features low weight, shallow draft operation, low maintenance and easy access, safety and reliability, as well as improved maneuverability as a result of its integrated steering and reversing with quick response times.
The waterjets have been designed for the highest overall propulsion efficiency, the companies state – as the power is divided over more jets, the power density is lower, which means a higher efficiency.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard starting in 2026.
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