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A ferry company pitching for the Channel Islands route has revealed plans for a hybrid-electric ferry it could use.
DFDS said it had entered into an agreement with Tasmanian ferry manufacturer, Incat, to conduct a design study for a 72-metre-long hybrid vessel – with the option of converting it to a fully-electric craft.
The announcement came just hours ahead of the firm's pitch to government officials, business owners and other stakeholders in Jersey today and a visit to Guernsey tomorrow.
DFDS said that the hybrid-electric vessel could potentially accommodate both freight and passenger transport and be deployed on routes to and from the Channel Islands and France, should the operator be awarded the upcoming tender.
The CEO of DFDS, Torben Carlsen said: "The hybrid-electric ferry will be part of our vision for the future ferry solution for the Channel Islands."
"Electrification of short sea routes is the future, and with the design study we can fast-track the green transition ushering in a new era of low-emission maritime transport."
He continued: "This will not be easy. We need to ensure a sufficient power supply on land and infrastructure to accommodate recharging facilities in ports.
"But I am confident that we can work together with the ports, governments, and communities on the Channel Islands to make this happen."
In December, the Danish firm's 163-metre-long cargo ship, Finlandia Seaways conducted trails in the islands.
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