Damen Shipyards has successfully delivered Germany’s first all-electric catamaran ferry to AG Reederei Norden-Frisia. This innovative vessel, named E-Kat, has a capacity of up to 150 passengers and will operate between Norddeich and Norderney on the East Frisian Wadden Sea. The 32-meter E-Kat has been specifically designed for a 30-minute route, with 28 minutes allocated for embarking and disembarking passengers.
Constructed at Damen shipyards in Poland and the Netherlands, the E-Kat is powered by two propellers, each driven by a 600kW electric motor. Its design includes twin hulls to navigate shallow waterways with a draft of just 1.2 meters. The vessel’s aluminum construction, including the hulls and superstructure, minimizes weight to enable speeds of up to 12 knots. Furthermore, the E-Kat will operate in a CO2 neutral manner, with its batteries charged by electricity from onshore solar panels.
Joschka Böddeling, Sales Manager at Damen, expressed excitement for the E-Kat’s delivery and upcoming operation during the summer season. The ferry’s high-quality construction ensures longevity and reliability for years to come. The E-Kat’s unique features, such as its all-electric propulsion system and environmentally friendly operation, highlight Damen’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in maritime transportation.
