After delivering a hybrid ferry, ‘Gaarden’, in July 2020 and a fully electric ferry, ‘Düsternbrook’, that will be entering operations shortly, Holland Shipyards Group has signed a contract to build three additional hybrid vessels for Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel (SFK).
The design of the three additional vessels is in line with the previously delivered vessel “Gaarden”. The ferries will measure 32,40 m by 8,80 m and will be provided with a hybrid drivetrain that can be powered by either generators or by means of a battery bank. The first two ferries will be delivered in February and May 2022 and the last one in the beginning of 2026.
“Holland shipyards successfully prevailed in an European tender among twelve other shipyards. The contract included four ferries but was split into a prototype and an option of three additional vessels. Since the ‘Gaarden’ has been in service for several months and fullfilled her duties, Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel is confident to extend the contract as originally intended.” – Ansgar Stalder, Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel
With the new vessels, SFK is renewing their current fleet. The replacement of the fleet is in line with the environmental goals set by SFK and the city of Kiel. The city of Kiel aims to be CO₂ neutral by 2050 and expects shipping to play a major part in this shift. Replacing the fleet adds great value to this and Holland Shipyards Group is proud to contribute to this.
With a role in building green vessels, Holland Shipyards Group is commited to work on a greener future for the maritime industry. The Holland Shipyards Group 2021’s orderbook contains about a dozen fully electric or hybrid ferries. Propulsion systems are key in developing green vessels, therefore we are always investigating sustainable propulsion methods. This year we will be taking a pioneering step by retrofitting a vessel to run on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.
Our green mission is not only visible in the vessels we build, but in the production process as well. Green vessels need to be built in a sustainable way. When it comes to materials selection we are making green choices, and our workshops, where we control air quality and emissions, have a green character as well. This year a large amount of solar panels will be installed on our workshops. Our aim is to generate as much energy as we use.
Going green is not an option, but a necessity to leave a habitable planet to the next generations to come. We will continue serving our part!
