On Thursday, the Maritime Services and Coast Agency (Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust, MDK) unveiled its newest electric ferry, the Scheldestroom, in Antwerp. With the introduction of the new ferry, MDK is taking a step toward making its ferry services more eco-friendly.
“The ‘Scheldestroom’ is the result of a well-considered investment of approximately 7.5 million euros in sustainable mobility and in the people who use it every day,” said Tim Van Dijck, Director of the Fleet division within the agency. Ferry services are becoming increasingly important as a sustainable alternative for short journeys and commuting.
“This vessel embodies what we stand for as an organization: innovation, sustainability, and reliable connections for our users. The fact that we can celebrate this together today makes it all the more special,” Van Dijck added.
Reliable
The ‘Scheldestroom’ will operate between Kruibeke and Hoboken. The vessel has a capacity of 150 passengers and 150 bicycles and reaches a top speed of approximately 18 kilometers per hour.
The electric drive system and batteries ensure reliable operation, while the vessel is charged at the jetty via an integrated plug system. Solar panels support the energy supply and help optimize energy consumption.
During the day, the ferry is charged between crossings, extending the battery life. The fully electric propulsion system not only ensures a quiet and comfortable crossing but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
The design of this ferry deliberately accounted for future developments. For instance, the vessel can be adapted in the future to use alternative fuels such as methanol. This ensures that the *Scheldestroom* remains a flexible and sustainable vessel in the long term. The boat was built at Baltic Workboats in Estonia.
Climate-friendly transport
“Waterborne passenger transport is becoming increasingly important in Flanders. With projects like ‘Scheldestroom,’ we combine sustainable technology with an efficient mobility solution. In doing so, we are helping to build a future-oriented and climate-friendly transport network,” concluded Nathalie Balcaen, Director General of MDK.
In addition to the ‘Scheldestroom,’ which is set to enter service soon, electric ferries are also operating in Flanders at Nieuwpoort, Ostend, and Sint-Anna Linkeroever.
MDK manages seventeen ferry services as well as De Waterbus. The fleet division aims to make at least the primary vessels at all its ferry locations eco-friendly by 2030. The ‘Scheldestroom’ therefore represents progress, though it does not yet amount to the full electrification of the Flemish ferry network.
