Posted on July 21, 2020
Hardinxveld–Giessendam, Netherlands, based Holland Shipyards Group has handed over a hybrid ferry to Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel (SFK) in Germany. Named Gaarden, the vessel will operate as a bicycle and foot ferry on the waters of the Kieler Fjord.
The vessel is the first built under a contract placed in May last year that included an option for an additional three sister vessels and Holland Shipyards Group is now working on the construction of another, fully-electric, ferry for SFK, named Düsternbrook.
The Gaarden, measuring 32.40 meters by 8.80 meters, has a hybrid drive train that can be powered by either generators or a battery bank. The battery system will be used for emissions-free sailing within the Kiel city center.
Holland Shipyards Group is currently working on a number of electric ferries and says that, while batteries have proven to be an ideal solution for the ferry market, it is also exploring other renewable energy and is involved in its first hydrogen project.
Source: marinelog
