TrAM project reaches important milestone

The building of the world´s first fully electric fast ferry is progressing well. In December the TrAM project completed the hull tests of the vessel in Hamburg.
The hull module of the TrAM Stavanger demonstrator is tested at HSVA in Hamburg.

– We have tested a model of the Stavanger demonstrator at the Ship Model Basin in Hamburg (HSVA). The facilities are among the largest in Europe with a 300 meters long and 18 meters wide tank, says Apostolos Papanikolaou, Senior Scientific Advisor at HSVA. 

The aim of the test is to measure both the resistance and the propeller system of the vessel. In addition to developing and building a zero-emission fast ferry, the project aims to develop never-before seen modular design and production methods for such vessels.

– These are important tests. Based on the test outcome, we can choose the right engine and the right batteries for the Stavanger demonstrator, says Papanikolaou.

Construction of the demonstrator vessel will start in summer 2020 at Fjellstrand yard in Norway. 

– This test will give us the answers we need to verify that the calculations we have done so far are correct, and that we can proceed with the design as planned, says Hans Fjell, Project Engineer at Fjellstrand yard in Norway.

The test facilities at HSVA in Hamburg are among the largest in Europe. The tank is 300 meters long and 18 meters wide.

The fully electric fast ferry will enter into commercial operation for Kolumbus in Stavanger on January 1st, 2022. The project will also conduct two studies for the same type of vessel in London and Belgium to explore opportunities for similar zero emission vessels on selected routes in Europe.

– This hull model test is an important milestone for the Horizon2020 TrAM project. It’s important for us to verify the calculation methods, because we will also use the calculations in the two replicator vessels in the project for London and the Belgian channels, says Project Coordinator Mikal Dahle at public transport company Kolumbus.