An electric ferry that uses hydrofoil technology to glide on top of the water offers a low emission alternative to diesel ferries, according to researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Norway’s lengthy Trondheim Fjord is surrounded by many small towns and villages, and two ferry services and two express boat services operate daily to transport passengers across the fjord.
A new electric boat dubbed ‘Frosta’ is being trialled to replace current diesel-powered services. Using ‘wing-like’ hydrofoil technology that lifts the boat’s hull out of the water, the vessel can reduce 80% of the water resistance on the hull, making it very energy-efficient.
The boat’s electrically-powered engine, capable of cruising speeds of around 25 knots, only emits about 112g of CO2 per nautical mile, a massive reduction on the diesel-powered express boats that emit 32kg of CO2 per nautical mile.
The vessel is designed to be driven with a high degree of autonomy, although there...