Alternative Fuels
Sembcorp Marine completes fabrication of first zero-emission battery-powered Ropax ferry
Proprietary design and construction of zero-emission Ropax ferries marks Sembcorp Marine’s entry into the Ropax niche market, it says.
Singapore-based shipyard Sembcorp Marine Ltd on Tuesday (15 March) said it has completed fabrication of the first of three identical battery-operated roll-on/roll-off passenger (Ropax) ferries for Norled AS a Norwegian ferry operator.
The Group was awarded a contract by Norled to design and construct three identical battery-powered Ropax ferries, based on the proprietary design of LMG Marin AS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine.
The vessels’ design is optimised according to Norled operational requirements incorporating energy-efficient solutions throughout the ferries. These include quick-connection shore charging plugs; auto-mooring; auto-cross; efficient hull, propulsion and heat recovery systems; as well as minimised hotel and auxiliary loads.
The vessels will operate normally on zero-emission, powered by lithium-ion batteries at a service speed of 10 knots. When required, they can run on combined battery-diesel hybrid backup modes. The batteries will be charged and recharged using green hydro-electric power.
The design of the 82.4-metre long multi-deck, double-ended ferries, each with a capacity for 300 passengers and crew, as well as 80 cars or a combination of up to 10 cars and 10 trailer trucks, also took into consideration passengers’ comfort and working conditions for the crew.
When launched into operation for Norled’s shortsea Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik connections in Norway, it is expected to fulfil Norled’s objective to contribute to emission reductions through the introduction of innovative new vessels equipped with zero-emission technology.
Torbjorn Bringedal, LMG Marin Managing Director, said: “LMG Marin offers a wide range of designs and technologies for sustainable ship operations, including LNG, battery, hydrogen, ammonia and hybrid propulsion systems. We are very pleased to be able to use our proprietary design to support Norled’s green objectives with specific customisation for the vessels’ operating environments.”
Tan Heng Jack, Sembcorp Marine’s Head of Specialised Shipbuilding, said: “To serve efficiently as a ferry vessel, the design took into consideration the vessel’s operational profile and schedule, as well as design imperatives of passenger safety and comfort, and conducive working conditions for ferry staff. The first of the three vessels will soon be part of Norled’s service fleet in Norway.”
Wong Weng Sun, Sembcorp Marine President & CEO, said: “The demand for passenger ferries is anticipated to increase owing to a wide range of factors including the emerging trend of ferries as a viable alternative transport, development in marine fuel technologies, and inclination of consumers towards luxury marine travel.”
Wong added, “Sembcorp Marine, with its extensive track record and suite of proprietary designs for various types of ships and offshore engineering solutions, will continue to strategically position the Group strongly to support the maritime industry’s transition towards renewable energy and the adoption of green technologies. This latest project marks our commitment to our customer and their pursuit of green solutions for the industry.”
The remaining two Ropax ferries are expected to be ready in 2022.
Photo credit: Sembcorp Marine
Published: 22 March, 2022
Biofuel
GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel
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Newbuilding
Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial
Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.
Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.
The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.
“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.
“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”
It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”
Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025
Newbuilding
BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers
BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.
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