Finnish hybrid-electric ferry features Schottel propulsion

Written by Nick Blenkey
FinFerries' Altera

The latest addition to FinFerries’ fleet, the recently launched ferry Altera, features high-efficiency azimuth thrusters from Schottel.

Currently under construction at the Crist shipyard in Poland, the latest addition to the fleet of Finland’s FinFerries, Altera, will be able to sail solely on battery power, charging its batteries with renewable electricity, though it has diesel gensets installed as a back up.

Schottel Ecopropeller
Schottel type SRE 430 EcoPellers

Scheduled to enter service in 2023, the ferry has been designed by Bergen, Norway, based LMG Marin. Its propulsion system consists of two electrically driven Schottel type SRE 430 EcoPellers, each rated at 950 kW, and with a propeller diameter of 2.35 meters. The azimuth thrusters are ice-strengthened according to Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1B.

With a battery capacity of 2 x 0.6 MWh, Altera will be charged directly from shore while loading and unloading.

“Altera means proud, excellent, which is well suited as we are proud of this technology and are thrilled to welcome another eco-friendly electrically powered ferry to Finland,” said Mats Rosin, CEO of state-owned Suomen Lauttaliikenne Group, which operates as FinFerries. “By supplying efficient and sustainable EcoPellers, SchotteL makes a significant contribution on our path towards a greener future.”

Altera measures 100 meters in length and 17 meters in width. The ferry provides space for up to 90 cars and a maximum of 375 passengers.

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