World’s Largest Electric Ferry Completes Maiden Voyage

E-ferry Ellen, the world's largest all-electric ferry,  made its first commercial trip connecting the ports of Søby and Fynshav (Denmark).

Switzerland-based battery system provider Leclanché SA has powered the vessel, capable of carrying approximately 30 vehicles and 200 passengers,  with a capacity of 4.3MWh.

Participating in this event celebrating the first scheduled ferry service between the two Danish islands were the respective mayors of the two municipalities, Ole Wej Petersen of Aerø and Erik Lauritzen of Søndeborg.

E-ferry Ellen is expected to be fully operational within a few weeks. E-ferry is part of the Danish Natura project, which aims to provide environmentally friendly transport for local residents.

According to a company press release, this project was initiated in 2015 and was funded by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 and Innovation Program.

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, said: "We are very proud to provide a specifically designed unique lithium-ion battery system to this ferry, the precursor to a new era in the commercial marine sector. With its 4.3MWh capacity, the E-ferry represents a new milestone in commercial marine propulsion."

Srivastava added: "Over one year, it will prevent the release of 2,000 tons of CO2, 42 tonnes of NOX, 2.5 tons of particulates and 1.4 tons of SO2 into the atmosphere. This project demonstrates that today we can replace fossil fuel thermal drives with clean energy, and thus contribute to the fight against global warming and pollution for the well-being of our communities."

The battery system supplied by Leclanché uses high-energy G-NMC lithium-ion cells with  safety features, including a bi-cellular laminated design and ceramic separators.

Leclanché specifically designs and engineers a Class Type Approved and Certified Marine Rack Systems (MRS) including fire prevention and extinguishing systems. The project has received the DNV-GL Type Approval Certificate and the DNV-GL Product Certificate.

The Swiss company develops and manufactures its own graphite/NMC (nickel-manganese cobalt lithium oxide) and LTO (titanate lithium oxide) cells. The parallel and redundant battery and powertrain systems make the E-ferry a safe and reliable vessel.

The E-ferry has been designed with unique integrated battery and transmission systems that offer unparalleled operating efficiency, the release said.