The MF Hamlet ferry docking at the port of Elsinore.
Electrification

Ferry hits the electric switch

When a ferry operator wanted to embark on a journey to a greener future, Kongsberg Maritime was its partner of choice. Together, the two companies are transforming a vessel to become all-electric – and that’s just the beginning.

  • Text:Global Sales and Marketing

    Photo:@Kongsberg Maritime

  • Craig Taylor
    Senior Manager PR & Communications
    (+44) 774 9584 285

Vessel upgrades are a popular choice for owners, looking to switch to hybrid or electric operation. Ferries are one sector where the benefits can be realised, especially on high frequency, point-to-point routes.

One of Europe’s busiest car ferry routes is across the Øresund, a strait between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, and Kongsberg Maritime is playing a key role in electrifying this crucial transport link.

The MF Hamlet, operated by Øresundslinjen, part of Molslinjen A/S, will this year undergo a conversion to transform the double-ended car ferry into an emission-free, battery-powered vessel. As the third and final vessel used on the route to be converted, the completion of the MF Hamlet will result in an all-electric service for 2026.

The primary goals of this conversion are to achieve zero emissions, enable full electric operation with batteries and ensure mechanical propulsion redundancy. The ferry will utilise high-voltage charging in port, taking only eight to 12 minutes, while low-voltage charging via diesel gensets is available as a backup. This rapid and efficient charging process is crucial for maintaining the ferry’s busy schedule across the northern and narrowest part of the Øresund.

Kongsberg Maritime will lead the project, which includes the installation of large battery packs and new permanent magnet (PM) motors for its azimuth thrusters.
The company will rebuild the existing thrusters to electric operation, install new PM motors for each of the four main azimuth thrusters, each rated at 1530 kW, and provide a comprehensive energy, automation and control package. This package includes interfacing with the main switchboard, retrofitting the K-Chief 600 to the new K-Chief system with an energy management system, and implementing Mcon thruster control with new pilot and co-pilot control chairs on the two bridges.

Energy storage systems will be supplied by Echandia directly to the owner, while Oresund Dry Docks in Landskrona, Sweden, will handle the mechanical conversion. The conversion is scheduled to start in November 2025 at the dry docks, with preparation work completed in March during scheduled maintenance docking.

The conversion will enable emission-free operation with powerful battery packs for each of the four thruster motors. The thrusters will be powered by electric motors, with the existing diesel gensets providing backup. This hybrid approach ensures reliability and efficiency, crucial for the ferry’s regular route across the Øresund.

We have the strategic vision to electrify our entire fleet to secure the complete green transition and become carbon-neutral in 2040. The MF Hamlet is an important step for us, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers to yet another fully electric ferry on Øresundslinjen.

Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen

Kongsberg Maritime’s scope includes converting the ‘top gear’ on the four US 3001 controllable pitch thrusters to twin input, where the primary input is driven by the new electric PM motors and the secondary is connected to the existing diesel engines. The thrusters will remain in situ during the conversion, but the top gear will be removed to enable the fitting of an additional drive shaft directly to the PM electric motors. Currently, there is a drive shaft (with clutch) from the diesel engine to the thruster. With the upgrade, the new shaft will connect to the opposite side of the thruster, linking to the motor. 

The MF Hamlet will feature completely new deckhouses on the top deck, with Kongsberg Maritime energy equipment and Echandia batteries being key components. The two bridges will receive new console layouts to improve visibility and new control chairs for the pilot and co-pilot, enhancing ergonomic operation. 

We are proud to lead the electrification of the MF Hamlet. The continuous collaboration between Øresundslinjen, the yard and all sub-suppliers has been exceptional in the project preparation phase, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this conversion will have on the environment and the efficiency of this busy ferry route.

Martin Kjøraas, Kongsberg Maritime’s Head of Aftermarket Sales Seaborne, Integration and Energy

Reduced emissions, improved efficiency, lower fuel costs and enhanced reliability are just a few of the advantages that come with such upgrades. Kongsberg Maritime’s role in this project is the latest example of how the company can help to transform the operation characteristics of not only an individual vessel, but an entire transport link.

Martin adds: “While this is a complex upgrade, the cooperation between the owner, yard and Kongsberg Maritime has been outstanding. By ensuring detailed planning is in place with clear responsibilities, these upgrade projects become straightforward solutions for owners considering a shift to electric operations.”  

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