Norwegian Technology Provider Kongsberg Maritime Wins Contract to Convert Swedish Ferry to Emission-Free Operation

Norwegian technology provider Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract to convert a double-ended car ferry operated by Swedish ferry transportation company Öresundlinjen to emission-free battery-powered operation.

As disclosed, the vessel in question is the 111.2-meter-long MF Hamlet, which services the route between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, across the northern and narrowest part of the Øresund strait, considered to be one of the ‘world’s busiest’ international car ferry routes.

The project’s goal is described as an ambition to ‘achieve zero emissions and enable fully electric battery-powered operation with mechanical propulsion redundancy.’

Conversion Process

Per Kongsberg, the conversion task is slated for November 2025 at Øresund Drydocks in Sweden, with preparation work scheduled to take place in March during the vessel’s maintenance docking before the summer season.

The scope of Kongsberg’s work includes fitting the ship with large battery packs, converting MF Hamlet’s four US 3001 Controllable Pitch azimuth thrusters to electric operation, and installing energy storage systems provided by Swedish maritime battery system supplier Echandia.

The car ferry will charge its batteries shoreside, connecting to the currently available charging robots, while keeping existing diesel engines as backup.

Technology and Solutions

Kongsberg will provide an energy, automation, and control package, including retrofitting the K-Chief 600 to the new K-Chief system with an energy management system and implementing the M-con thruster control. Plans are also underway to install auto-crossing and auto-docking solutions to automate transit and harbor maneuvers.

Additionally, Denmark’s engineering firm SH Group is anticipated to create and install deck houses and ensure proper cabling routing for the new equipment installation.

Environmental Impact

Commenting on the project, Martin Kjøraas, Head of Aftermarket Sales Seaborne, Integration, and Energy at Kongsberg Maritime, stated, “The continuous collaboration between Öresundlinjen, 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.”