The operator of the Rosslare-Dunkirk route, DFDS, has entered into an agreement with ferry manufacturer Incat Tasmania to conduct a design study for a hybrid-electric ferry intended to be deployed for the Channel Islands if DFDS wins an upcoming tender for future services.

The initiative is a part of the DFDS’ efforts to contribute to the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

DFDS has commissioned Tasmanian ferry manufacturer Incat to conduct a design study for a 72-metre-long hybrid electric ferry with the option of converting it to a fully electric vessel.

The ferry could potentially accommodate both freight and passenger transport and be deployed on routes to and from the Channel Islands and France should DFDS be awarded the upcoming tender for the ferry services on the Islands.

Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, says: “The hybrid electric ferry will be part of our vision for the future ferry solution for the Channel Islands. Electrification of short sea routes is the future, and with the design study, we can fast-track the green transition, ushering in a new era of low-emission maritime transport. This will not be easy. We need to ensure a sufficient power supply on land and infrastructure to accommodate recharging facilities in ports. But I am confident that we can work together with the ports, governments, and communities on the Channel Islands to make this happen”

The framework of the design study will depend on the requirements for the upcoming tender and the needs and wishes of the local communities in Guernsey and Jersey and can be changed to accommodate any new circumstances.

The design study will analyse various specifications, including capacity, propulsion, passenger area layout, etc. In terms of propulsion, DFDS expects to focus on a hybrid solution until sufficient charging infrastructure is available in the relevant ports.