Ro-Pax

Molslinjen’s first fully electric ferry enters service

Baird Maritime

Danish ferry line Molslinjen has begun operational sailings of the first fully electric vessel to join its fleet.

Grotte is being operated in the waters between Esbjerg and Fano Island, an area that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ferry measures 50 by 14 metres. Power is provided by Danfoss lithium-ion batteries with total capacity of 1,107 kWh to deliver speeds of up to 11 knots.

Charging of the batteries will take place at Esbjerg, where a dedicated shore connection is available. The batteries can be fully charged in as little as seven minutes.

Charging can be carried out even as the ferry is loading or unloading passengers and cars.

Grotte was designed by local naval architects OSK-ShipTech and built at Hvide Shipyard Steel and Service in Midtjylland.