The first purely battery-driven car and passenger ferry Ampere has won the Ship Efficiency Award in the category Environmental Technology awarded by maritime eco-efficiency specialist Fathom.
The award recognises innovative solutions which have contributed to reducing the environmental impact of shipping operations.
Ampere
The 80 metre long DNV GL classed vessel Ampere is one of three ferries operated by the Norwegian shipping company Norled between Lavik and Oppedal and is able to carry 120 cars and 360 passengers. 'Ampere is trading in Sognefjord with 100 per cent regularity and consumes 50 per cent less energy compared with a traditional diesel ferry on the same route. It has proven to be a huge success for Norled,' said Claes Skat-Rørdam of award sponsor Hempel on behalf of the judges.
Ampere runs 34 times a day with a crossing time of 20 minutes. Between the trips the 1MWh lithium-polymer battery pack on board can be charged in only ten minutes.
Ampere has been awarded the DNV GL class notation 1A1 LC R4 (nor) Car Ferry C Battery Power. The notation is mandatory for vessels that use batteries as one of their main sources – or the sole source – of energy for propulsion.
Picture: The Ampere uses fifty per cent less energy compared with traditional diesel ferries (by Samferdselsfoto).
