Havyard Leirvik wins modification contract
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MF Lote currently has propulsion thrusters run by four diesel engines. They will now be replaced by electric engines powered by a large battery system.(Photo: Fjord1)
Norwegian yard Havyard Leirvik AS has been awarded a contract for the conversion of ferry MF Lote into electric battery operation. The ferry will operate the route Skarberget–Bognes over the Tysfjord in Nordland county, and zero-emission ferries was one of the conditions for awarding the contract for this route.
The vessel currently has four propulsion thrusters run by four diesel engines. They will now be replaced by electric engines powered by a large battery system. The order has been generated by a project from Norwegian Electric Systems AS, who delivers the system, and ferry operator Fjord1 ASA to convert a total three ferries into battery operation with zero emissions.
The project is due to start in November 2021.
Svein Olav Senneset, Acting Manager in new construction at Fjord1, says: “We chose Havyard Leirvik AS for the job because we strongly believe that the yard has the necessary know-how to carry out the modification. The yard has previously conducted similar projects and we are therefore confident that they will do a good job.” Senneset also says that the interior of the ferry will be modified to meet the most up-to-date universal design requirements.