Frisia E-I: setting a new benchmark for zero-emission passenger shipping
Damen Shipyards Group has delivered a landmark vessel for sustainable maritime transport with the Frisia E-I, Germany’s first fully electric passenger catamaran. Developed for operations in the environmentally sensitive Wadden Sea, the vessel represents a major step forward in zero-emission coastal shipping.
In brief
Damen Shipyards, together with operator Frisia, has presented Frisia E-I, Germany's first fully electric passenger catamaran. The vessel serves the Norddeich to Norderney route and carries up to 150 passengers, with power supplied by a dedicated onshore solar park, ensuring climate-neutral voyages. The Frisia E-I design was developed for the conditions of the Wadden Sea, one of the most sensitive marine ecosystems in Europe. Panoramic glazing gives passengers a comfortable, quiet and emission-free journey.
Powered entirely by electricity generated from an on-site solar park, Frisia E-I enables carbon-neutral operations between Norddeich and the island of Norderney. The catamaran accommodates up to 150 passengers, offering a quiet, vibration-free experience enhanced by panoramic views and modern passenger amenities.
As the flagship of Frisia’s zero-emissions programme, the vessel demonstrates how renewable energy and electric propulsion can be successfully integrated into daily ferry operations. Particular attention was given to minimising environmental impact in the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional ecological value.
The Frisia E-I underlines Damen’s commitment to sustainable shipbuilding and provides a scalable blueprint for future electric ferry projects worldwide, especially in ecologically protected coastal regions.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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