February 2, 2025
On the 15th of January, Damen Shipyards handed over Germany’s first, all-electric catamaran (E-Kat) ferry to its operator, AG Reederei Norden-Frisia. Capable of taking up to 150 passengers, the vessel will operate between Norddeich and Norderney on the East Frisian Wadden Sea.
- The 32-metre E-Kat has been designed to operate on a 30-minute route with 28 minutes allowed at each end to disembark and embark passengers.
- Built at Damen shipyards in Poland and the Netherlands.
- Driven by two propellers, each powered by a 600kW electric motor.
- Given the shallow waterways in which it will operate, it has been designed with twin hulls giving it a draught of just 1.2 metres.
- These aluminium hulls together with a superstructure, also made of aluminium, ensure that weight has been kept to a minimum, enabling it to operate at speeds of up to 12 knots.
- Other features include over-sized windows to allow passengers to enjoy the views of the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest tidal flats system and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
