Covering a 22-nautical mile crossing between the Danish islands of Ærø and Fynshav, the vessel will reportedly travel seven times further than any other electric ferry currently in operation anywhere in the world.
The Ellen E-ferry is just under 60m long, has a breadth of approximately 13m and will travel at speeds between 13-15.5 knots. It is capable of carrying 198 passengers in summer months, with this capacity dropping to 147 during the winter. The ferry can also carry 31 cars or five trucks on its open deck.
As well as having a capacity of 4.3Mwh, it also claims to be the first electric ferry to have no emergency back-up generator on board.
Danfoss Editron has supplied the full-electric drivetrain powering the ferry to operator Ærø Kommune. The company’s EDITRON system comprises two 750kW propulsion motors and two 250kW thruster motors, both of which run off synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology and are controlled by DC/AC inverters.
As well as the electric drivetrain, Danfoss Editron has also provided the vessel’s power management system for the complete on-board automated power and load control. Additionally, the company delivered the onshore charging station and charging arm for the ferry’s 4.3MW battery.
Kimmo Rauma, VP of Danfoss Editron, said: "It is well known that the global marine industry is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Maritime transport currently emits over 900 million tonnes of CO2 annually and is responsible for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We want to help change the world by easing pollution and we believe that industries such as the marine sector can lead the way.
“With a powerful Danfoss Editron system running it, the Ellen E-ferry will strengthen our already strong position as a world leader in the development and delivery of world-class electric ferries. It is anticipated that the ferry will save 2,000 tonnes of CO2 every year once operational.”
The Ellen E-ferry was baptised by Danfoss communications consultant Christina Clausen, who is also the granddaughter of Mads and Bitten Clausen who founded the company in 1933, on 1 June. The vessel is expected to become operational at the beginning of July 2019.