Ropax vessels to lead Europe’s charge to electric corridors

Battery technology, lower lifecycle costs, and regulatory policy underpin full electrification of passenger and freight vessels on shortsea routes in Northern Europe. But shoreside charging infrastructure at ports remains a stumbling block.

These were among the key findings of a new study issued by Oslo-listed maritime technology developer, Kongsberg Maritime,

Electric corridors for short-sea shipping were identified for ferry routes across the continent, with Dover–Calais, Tallinn–Helsinki, and key services linking Scandinavia, Germany, and other Baltic Sea services as the most promising.

New-generation batteries offer higher power densities, rapid charging capabilities, longer service lives, and lower prices.

Regulatory policy is playing its part in the shift towards maritime electrification. FuelEU Maritime mandates that container ships and passenger vessels (cruise ships and ropax vessels) over 5,000 gt will have to connect to onshore power charging while at berth in major EU ports starting 1 January 2030. By 1 January 2035, this regulation will extend to all EU/EEA ports.

Plugging into shore power is also beneficial for owners under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), since the regulation covers CO2 and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fuel used on a tank-to-wake basis. Using shore power, a ship uses electrical power from the shore grid instead of operating its auxiliary generators and burning fuel, which carries an emissions cost.

Taken together, these factors are now shifting the economics in favour of zero‑emission vessels on high‑frequency, short‑distance routes, said Kongsberg Maritime.

According to the study, fully electric ropax vessels operating between 2030 and 2040 could deliver 8% to 15% lower lifetime costs compared to diesel‑powered vessels. Operational cost reductions of 20 to 27% are achievable through lower energy costs and the removal of emissions‑related expenses.

Kongsberg Maritime vice president business development, Emerging Solutions, Oskar Levander, said the industry has reached a critical turning point. “Just a few years ago, diesel ropax vessels held a clear economic advantage. That is no longer the case. Battery-electric ships are now not only feasible but commercially compelling on a growing number of high‑frequency routes.”

Kongsberg Maritime is a leading developer of maritime technology, systems, and ship designs for all-electric and battery-hybrid vessels. It has developed two fully electric ropax concept designs, marked by modular battery rooms, intelligent energy‑management systems, and auto-docking and auto-crossing capabilities. They incorporate advanced propulsion setups with electric podded thrusters, aiming to reduce system complexity and improve overall energy efficiency.

While the study acknowledges that port‑side charging infrastructure remains a challenge, it also highlights growing momentum across the maritime value chain. Progress will require close collaboration between shipowners, ports, grid operators, and cargo stakeholders.

“For many operators, the question has shifted from whether electrification will happen to when,” Mr Levander added.