VESSEL REVIEW | Eloise – Sweden’s Vasttrafik acquires double-ended commuter ferry

Swedish public transport company Vasttrafik has taken delivery of a new ferry to join its commuter vessel fleet that serves the city of Gothenburg.

Built by Finnish shipyard Tyovene, the double-ended Eloise belongs to a series of four ferries that includes two diesel-electric vessels and two battery-powered vessels. The use of battery propulsion is in fulfillment of Vasttrafik's goal of introducing an electric-powered mass transport network of ferries and buses in Sweden's second-largest city by 2030.

Eloise has a length of 32.99 metres, a beam of 8.71 metres, and capacity for 298 passengers and 80 bicycles.

An EST-Floattech 1,260kWh lithium-polymer battery system supplies power for the propulsion – which also includes two azimuthing double counter-rotating propellers – and the onboard systems while a diesel generator is also available to serve as a battery charging device, though dedicated shore connections will be used primarily for this purpose.

The battery system, which can deliver a service speed of 11 knots, can enable fully electric sailings for up to six hours. Although Eloise is a near identical sister of the earlier Vasttrafik-owned ferry Elvy, the newer ferry boasts a 25 per cent greater battery capacity to ensure a greater number of trips in one day.

The ferry also has a battery management system and a number of mechanical features to ensure continuous safe operations. EST-Floattech said multiple safety layers in the mechanical design and software ensure that the management system meets DNV class requirements.

Some of the electronics in the wheelhouse are controlled via touchscreen.

Eloise has already begun operational sailings on Gothenburg's Gota River. Daily trips are scheduled to take place between 06:00 and 19:00.

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