It was a calm and breezy day in Sandefjord, Norway. Nothing out of the ordinary, some might say. However, appearances can be deceptive. Quietly and inconspicuously – in the true sense of the word – Color Line’s new ferry, Color Hybrid, set off on her maiden voyage, marking an important milestone in the history and future development of maritime transport.
In fact, as the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ferry, Color Hybrid runs on batteries when entering and exiting the harbour. While doing so, she emits zero greenhouse gases and makes very little noise. Deservedly, she has been awarded the title of Ship of the Year 2019. Up to 2,000 passengers per trip can now commute from Sandefjord, Norway, to Strömstad in Sweden on this new zero-emission and strikingly quiet vessel.
Sustainability, safety and solutions
Color Line is dedicated to setting new environmental standards in maritime transport. The cruise ferry line’s new vessel set the ball rolling, inspiring further shipbuilding projects in a similar vein. It also reflects PALFINGER’s firm commitment to sustainability. Producing sustainable products in an environmentally efficient manner has become one of the company’s main goals in the last 15 years.
The presentation of the ferry was an important moment not only for the Sandefjord municipality, but also for Robin Holmedal Pedersen, PALFINGER MARINE’s Regional Sales Director Europe. After all, it was he who equipped Color Hybrid with a total LSA package.
THIS WAS NOT JUST ANY PROJECT. IT WAS A PROJECT THAT APPLIED NEW WAYS OF THINKING, AND I PERSONALLY PUT A LOT OF EFFORT INTO IT.
Robin Holmedal Pedersen, Regional Sales Director for Europe
‘This project was a huge opportunity for us to show that we offer excellent technical solutions while further strengthening our position on the market’, he explains. ‘And, trust me, the competition on this job was tough, for obvious reasons.’ Having secured the deal to provide Color Hybrid with a total LSA package, two years of hard work followed. During that time, Robin and his team worked closely with Color Line and Ulstein as well as with different design companies. The former two share a special, long-standing partnership with PALFINGER. Hence, they put a lot of faith in our LSA team – who, in the end, very much lived up to expectations.
Reliable lifesaving appliances for a maritime milestone
Four PALFINGER lifeboats with accompanying davits and two fast rescue boats also with suitable davits now ensure the safety of Color Hybrid’s passengers. The lifeboats have been smartly installed in a davit structure, leaving enough space for long and undisturbed strolls on the deck. The two FRSQ fast rescue boats are safe, quick and agile. They offer the best possible working conditions in rough seas. The final step in the scope of delivery was to commission the systems.
Robin can now look back on an exciting, successful and, above all, sustainable project. ‘This surely is a step in the right direction – and we will see more of that in the future’, he concludes.
Featured image: © UAVPIC