ESNA was an active partner in the Norwegian public funded development program “The fast ferry of the future” (in Norwegian “Fremtidens Hurtigåt”). The aim was to develop vessels designs with at least 30% reduced resistance compared to existing designs to make it possible to use batteries and alternative fuels as hydrogen on short and long high speed passenger ferry routes along the Norwegian coast.
The vessels are characterised with extremely low energy consumption well suited for battery energy storage or hydrogen fuels. The SES concept is well suited for carrying the increased weight of batteries or alternative fuel systems because the weight is carried by both the large air cushion pressurised area and the sidehulls.
The battery powered SESpax24 can be charged with high DC power to reduce waiting time in port. On longer routes the batteries can be charged during pit stops when several ports are to be called along the route. Service speed of 40 knots allows for more time for charging while keeping the route schedule than what is possible for catamarans at lower speed. The passenger capacity can be tailored for each operation.
The Arctic Tern, a vessel powered by compressed hydrogen and fuel cells providing long distance high speed travel up to 160 nautical miles with 35-40 knots service speed for up to 275 passengers.
