Displaying items by tag: Hybrid RoPax

25th April 2024

DFDS Enters Agreement with Incat for Hybrid-Electric Ro-Pax Design Study for Channel Islands Tender

The operator of the Rosslare-Dunkirk route, DFDS, has entered into an agreement with ferry manufacturer Incat Tasmania to conduct a design study for a hybrid-electric ferry intended to be deployed for the Channel Islands if DFDS wins an upcoming tender for future services.

The initiative is a part of the DFDS’ efforts to contribute to the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

DFDS has commissioned Tasmanian ferry manufacturer Incat to conduct a design study for a 72-metre-long hybrid electric ferry with the option of converting it to a fully electric vessel.

The ferry could potentially accommodate both freight and passenger transport and be deployed on routes to and from the Channel Islands and France should DFDS be awarded the upcoming tender for the ferry services on the Islands.

Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, says: “The hybrid electric ferry will be part of our vision for the future ferry solution for the Channel Islands. Electrification of short sea routes is the future, and with the design study, we can fast-track the green transition, ushering in a new era of low-emission maritime transport. This will not be easy. We need to ensure a sufficient power supply on land and infrastructure to accommodate recharging facilities in ports. But I am confident that we can work together with the ports, governments, and communities on the Channel Islands to make this happen”

The framework of the design study will depend on the requirements for the upcoming tender and the needs and wishes of the local communities in Guernsey and Jersey and can be changed to accommodate any new circumstances.

The design study will analyse various specifications, including capacity, propulsion, passenger area layout, etc. In terms of propulsion, DFDS expects to focus on a hybrid solution until sufficient charging infrastructure is available in the relevant ports.

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Offshore wind

ESB know the importance of offshore wind in tackling climate change and delivering net zero. Ireland has a unique capability given its prime location to take advantage of the potential of offshore wind. ESB are working hard to develop offshore wind projects for the benefit of everyone across society in Ireland and the UK. This includes ongoing engagement with marine users and local communities so ESB can deliver these significant projects.

Offshore wind will play a major role globally in our fight against climate change. It will help to replace energy generated by burning fossil fuels with that from a clean, safe and secure renewable energy source. Ireland’s geographic location on the exposed edge of the Atlantic presents us with a significant opportunity to generate electricity from wind – both offshore and onshore.

Power from onshore wind farms currently provide over one-third of Ireland’s electricity needs. But, whilst its marine area is many times the size of its landmass, Ireland’s offshore wind potential is only starting to be realised. ESB have a coastline stretching over 3,000km but only one operational offshore wind farm – Arklow Bank, with a capacity of 25 MW. In contrast, Belgium’s coastline is only 63km long, but it has already developed more than 2,000 MW of offshore wind. In Great Britain, with a coastline four times the length of ours, offshore wind generation now equates to over 440 Arklow Banks, with an installed capacity of 11,0000 MW as of late 2021.

The Irish Government's target to install 5,000 MW of offshore wind capacity in our maritime area by 2030 is set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021. It also has the objective to source 80% of Ireland’s electricity needs from renewables by the same year. In line with this, ESB is applying its professional and proven engineering expertise to the challenges set within the Climate Action Plan.

ESB are committed to playing a strong role in developing Ireland’s offshore wind potential for the benefit of the people of Ireland. This will be done in consultation with marine users and local communities, and with due care for the marine environment.