Ellen is the world's largest all-electric ferry. Photo: © Leclanché

The world’s largest electric ferry

On 15 August, the world’s largest all-electric ferry, Ellen, made its maiden voyage connecting the small island of Aerø to the port of Fynshav on Als in Denmark. The route is 22 nautical miles (40 km) long. Ellen is around 60 metres long and 13 metres wide, and can carry 30 vehicles and 200 passengers. The ship is powered by a battery system with an unprecedented capacity of 4.3 MWh, and has the capability to travel at speeds up to 15.5 knots. The operators estimate the electric ferry will annually prevent the release of 2000 tons of CO₂, 42 tonnes of NOx, 2.5 tons of PM and 1.4 tons of SO₂ into the atmosphere.

Source: forbes.com, 18 August, 2019

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In this issue

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Editorial: IPCC Ocean and Cryosphere report is a powerful diplomatic asset

The IPCC’s Special Report on The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate and its summary for policymakers provide scary reading about ongoing changes and risks, as well as projected risks.

Capacity is no longer a reason for subsidies to fossil power

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Increasing renewable energy targets for the EU

The new European Commission needs to sprint towards climate action to be in line with the Paris Agreement. There is growing support for at least 55% emission reductions by 2030.

EU law instrumental for cleaning up power plants

The EU Large Combustion Plants Directive was the main driver behind the significant air pollutant emission cuts in this sector from 2004 to 2015, according to a new EEA report.

Achieving a sustainable food future

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Prompt climate action needed to ensure food supplies

IPCC report says that climate change increases pressure on land, meanwhile land use causes almost a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental impacts of ship scrubbers

Untreated wash water from open-loop scrubbers contains heavy metals, aromatic hydrocarbons and soot particles, and scientific tests have shown harmful effects on marine organisms.

Ship emissions debate continues

While slightly stricter energy efficiency targets for certain types of ships were agreed by the IMO in May, there was still no progress on introducing effective short-term measures to cut ships’ carbon emissions.

Six countries still breach binding air pollution limits

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Global SO2 air pollution hotspots mapped

The Norilsk smelter complex in Russia continues to be the largest sulphur dioxide emission hotspot in the world.

Swedish refinery at crossroads: 2X fossil future contested

The Preem oil refinery in Sweden wants to expand, greatly increasing its CO₂ emissions and those of Sweden. It may wreck Sweden’s climate target. It may also help the Norwegian fossil industry’s effort to pitch CCS. What happens now is up to the government.

Hydrogen choices

Hydrogen has for several decades been touted as the fuel of the future. It is in fact a big commodity today, and heading for fast growth in a low-carbon future. If it is produced from fossil fuels, which is what Preem plans for, it is not part of the solution, but a big source of CO₂.

Main menu

The world’s largest electric ferry

In this issue

Not even 1.5°C is good enough

Editorial: IPCC Ocean and Cryosphere report is a powerful diplomatic asset

Capacity is no longer a reason for subsidies to fossil power

Increasing renewable energy targets for the EU

EU law instrumental for cleaning up power plants

Achieving a sustainable food future

Prompt climate action needed to ensure food supplies

Environmental impacts of ship scrubbers

Ship emissions debate continues

Six countries still breach binding air pollution limits

Global SO2 air pollution hotspots mapped

Swedish refinery at crossroads: 2X fossil future contested

Hydrogen choices

In Breif

UK aims for zero-emission ships by 2025

10,000 EU staff call for coal phase-out by 2025

Court rulings on air pollution

Climate change and the Andean cryosphere

Publications

Food for Thought

Northern forests, climate change and the UNFCCC

EU climate targets aligned with the Paris agreement’s 1.5°C objective

Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Collaborative-Learning project

Air pollution in Europe and children’s health

Climate Change: A Himalayan Odessey

No further discussion needed. The agreed global goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C

Fossil-free electricity 2021

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Air pollution

Climate Change

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