VACON® drives electrify passenger ferries in Oslo Fjord

NORWAY: Globally, 27% of emissions come from transportation. A better future calls for rethinking and innovation – and that's what the municipality of Oslo set out to do when they started developing a modern port. To align with Oslo’s ‘emission-free by 2030’ vision, 11 passenger ferries have been converted to fully electric operations, most recently the three passenger ferries known as Nesoddbåtene (Nesodden ferries).

The conversion was initiated by ferry operator Norled in close cooperation with systems integration company SEAM, that specializes in hybrid and all-electric vessels. It was an extensive project to convert these vessels, but they were convinced this was the way to the port of the future. So, in 2019, SEAM reached out to its long-time partner, Danfoss, to convert the existing ferries to electric power.

Explore how the Danfoss VACON® NXP drives facilitate the electrification of the Nesodden ferries, marking the beginning of Oslo Fjord’s eco-friendly ‘ferrytale’.

Nesoddbåtene is the collective name for the ferry service to the municipality of Nesodden. The 3 Nesodd ferries are Norway's largest car-free passenger ferry connection and one of Oslo’s most important commuter routes, sailing daily and connecting Oslo with Nesodden. With 2.8 million passengers relying on these ferries annually, precision and reliability is vital, as there is no room for downtime.

The project aimed to meet zero emission requirements by converting the ferries to 100% battery power. The vessels were built in 2009 in France, originally running on gas power. The owner Norled chose to retrofit the gas-powered ferries instead of scrapping functional assets.

Challenges with adjusting space and existing equipment were solved in tight collaboration between SEAM, the ship owner, and their partners. Additionally, electrified ferries demand an efficient charging system with a certain capacity, charging quickly in time to be ready for the next departure. Therefore, a charging tower and station were required, designed to blend seamlessly into the port environment.

In the summer of 2019, SEAM and Danfoss Drives worked together to replace the ferries' gas systems with batteries that could meet the requirements for both precision and robustness.

Danfoss Drives achieved SEAM's needs and aspirations by leveraging their long-time partnership to develop more sustainable marine vessels. Based on VACON® NXP drives, they crafted a solution suitable for the upgraded ferries and the strict industry demands, ensuring reliable performance transporting thousands of commuters daily.

Danfoss VACON® NXP Liquid Cooled drives are engineered for heavy industries with harsh operating conditions. Based on liquid cooling, the controllers provide powerful performance and dependable reliability.

In the summer of 2019, the retrofit of the Nessoden ferries began in the port of Oslo. The vessels already had two VACON® NXP Grid Converter drives 690V 670 kW onboard for the main propulsion, which SEAM reused in the rebuilding. To accommodate a battery room, equipment related to the gas-powered engines was cleared. Finally, the gas-powered engines were replaced with 2020 kWh batteries powered by a 3800-kWh onshore charging station.

Danfoss drives are an essential building block in the electric systems, ensuring reliable performance and smooth navigation. In September 2019, the three ferries were ready to welcome passengers onboard – marking a significant stride toward zero emissions.

The electrification of the Nesodden ferries has reaped numerous benefits for the port of Oslo. Thanks to the Danfoss VACON® drive, the three Nesodden ferries operate exclusively on electric power in all conditions, saving 6,000 tons of CO₂ annually. Plus, the electric-driven motors ensure an enjoyable ride for staff and passengers with improved air quality and reduced noise levels.

On shore, a large charging station ensures 24/7 uptime, delivering 3.8 MW of DC power. This high capacity enables rapid 8-minute charges to fit the ferry timetable and ensure a stable ferry service.

The 3 retrofitted ferries make the municipality of Oslo a key player in advancing electrification technologies for a greener future. The port of Oslo is served predominantly by electric ferries: the 3 Nesodden ferries, 5 Boreal vessels, and the Legacy of the Fjords. SEAM has delivered most of these ferries, with electric propulsion powered by Danfoss drives.