VTI examines social benefits of electric ferries
Kick-off meeting in the project. From the left: Tobias Husberg (Cstrider), Henrik Sjöstrand (VTI), Chengxi Liu (VTI) and Brigitte Junker (Candela). In the background boats from the two companies. Photo: Kristian Sloth Lauzus
Can electric ferries be economically viable as a public transport element in cities where there is a lot of water? How would travel habits, journey times and other modes of transport be affected by a ferry service of this kind? A new research study by VTI aims to start answering these questions.
Electric ferries offer major potential to shorten journey times, reduce carbon emissions and relieve pressure on other public transport. A physical trial began in Stockholm in late October, involving an electric ferry from Candela Technology. The company’s hydrofoil technology aims to reduce energy consumption by 80 per cent compared to conventional ships.
As part of the project known as Vattenkoll – Flexibel vattenburen kollektivtrafik (Vattenkoll – Flexible waterborne public transport), where VTI is working in partnership with Candela Technology and Cstrider, the researchers are aiming to examine the effects from the broader perspective of a system using smaller electric boats being used for local transport services in Stockholm.
This study is being conducted by means of computer simulations of how services on both potential and existing ferry routes, such as Ekerö to central Stockholm, would evolve if electric ferries were used. The impact on journey times, the modes of transport selected by passengers and which groups of passengers are most affected are the primary effects being studied.
"The study also aims to provide a foundation for socio-economic analyses of transport services. If we know what the benefits and costs are, we can also find out whether a system that includes electric ferries would be economically viable,” says project manager Henrik Sjöstrand, Senior Analyst at VTI.
No matter what the fuel, waterborne public transport has a number of obvious advantages, such as the fact that journeys are often shorter and that much of the infrastructure (water) is already in place. But that said, it also has major disadvantages. Large ferries are often empty, except during rush hour, and fossil fuels cause high levels of emissions. Moreover, attractive housing developments close to water can make it difficult to accommodate quays and harbours.
“In a way, it is slightly odd that Stockholm, which has so much water, does not have more waterborne public transport. But in a worst-case scenario, ferry services will be more expensive, worse for the environment and difficult to accommodate,” says Henrik Sjöstrand.
The ships that are to be used in the simulations are Candela Technology’s electric P-12 ferry and Cstrider’s smaller, automated ferries. More information about the companies and their ships can be found by following the links below.
The Vattenkoll project is a pilot study funded by the Swedish Transport Administration. It may be followed by a larger project that will also include a physical pilot trial. Although the study is based on conditions in Stockholm, the results should be so generic that they can be applied in other cities where there is plenty of water.
Translation: CBG
Read more about the companies in the project:
Don't miss out on VTI's news – subscribe now!
Stay informed with the latest research and news from VTI. Sign up for newsletters, sent by e-mail four times a year.