Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced the sponsorship of a newly-built hybrid e-ferry, which will carry up to 250 passengers, in Hamburg.
The ONE branded vessel is the first of three passenger ferries to be completed by HADAG, a local public transport company that owns and operates passenger ferries across the river Elbe.
After reaching the final stages of the shipbuilding phase, the hybrid e-ferry was officially launched on 7 March 2024 in Tangermünde, a historic town on the Elbe in Saxony-Anhalt. She will now start a rigorous testing phase before going into public service in May.
Temporarily named Neubau 212, the vessel is battery-powered, sailing on electric energy and recharges overnight. If the battery is low, the ferry’s energy can be switched to diesel fuel.
The use of electric energy helps reduce carbon emissions and is in line with ONE’s vision of becoming a carbon neutral shipping line by 2050.
Jan Holst, Head of ONE Germany said, “ONE is very happy to be sponsoring another passenger ferry in Hamburg, but especially proud to be branding a modern hybrid e-ferry, that is more environmentally friendly and carries more passengers than previously. We look forward to seeing her in service very soon.”
The official christening where the ferry will be named before entering service, takes place in May in Hamburg.