Finnish ferry to cut emissions via diesel-electrical drivetrain retrofit

A Finferries ship is to be retrofitted with a diesel-electrical drivetrain system to improve its overall efficiency and reduce its emissions.

Finland’s Suomenlahden Telakka Oy will carry out the conversion, which will see the diesel-mechanical propulsion of the ship converted to a Danfoss Editron diesel-electric drivetrain system, on the Prostvik 1 ferry, which operates in the Turku archipelago.

Prostvik 1 is one of two ferries operating on the route between Nauvo and Korpoo, making it vitally important to the local population. Built in 1983, the 50 m long vessel can carry approximately 140 passengers and 30 vehicles each journey.

Danfoss Editron’s diesel-electrical drivetrain system is compact and lightweight, meeting weight and size requirements set by Finferries for Prostvik 1 which, a statement explained, has a relatively small tonnage of 320 tonnes.

Danfoss Editron sales support manager Atte Yrjola said “Our direct current grid distribution and software-based approach allows for a much greater intelligent management of power distribution by enabling variable speed diesel generators. It also allows us to identify the optimal number of running engines needed in various weather conditions, ensuring the most efficient operation, offering additional fuel savings and reducing maintenance costs.

“Close co-operation between ourselves and Sumenlahden Telakka will be crucial for the success of this project. Our production facility is more than capable of meeting the challenging project schedule, especially as we already have a strong track-record of delivering diesel-electrical systems for marine vessels.”

Prostvik 1 will arrive at Suomenlahden Telakka shipyard in late August, before returning to operation by the end of November. As the ferry is one of only two operating on its route a “short and challenging project schedule” of six months between kick-off and competition is being targeted.

Suomenlahden Telakka chief executive commented Jukka Jaatinen said “The retrofit of the Prostvik 1 ferry will take place in our new indoor warm hall. This type of space is ideal for retrofit projects as it enables existing equipment to be kept in good conditions while the new equipment is being installed, while it also provides favourable working conditions for engineers.”