Built to operate fully electric across the Fehmarnbelt, The Baltic Whale represents a new era for sustainable freight transport in Europe. Her delivery marks the completion of the most significant integrated energy and control system projects in NES history.
Now on her way from Cemre Shipyard in Turkey to Denmark, The Baltic Whale will soon enter operation between Rødby and Puttgarden. The vessel stands as a milestone for Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) and for the wider maritime shift toward zero-emission freight transport in Northern Europe.
Developed for Scandlines, The Baltic Whale carries a 10.1 MWh battery system – the largest ever installed on a fully electric ferry in operation. In Rødby, a 15 MW shore charging system awaits, currently the highest operational power transfer for a vessel worldwide. Together, these systems will enable a fully electric one-hour crossing with zero direct emissions.
Over the past years, NES teams in Norway and Turkey have worked closely with Cemre Shipyard and Scandlines to design and deliver the vessel’s complete energy and control system. At the heart of the ship’s power architecture is Quadro Master, NES’s DC-based distribution system that ties together batteries, generators, propulsion drives and onboard loads through a common DC bus. The result is a robust and highly efficient electrical infrastructure designed for reliability, flexibility and safety.
On the bridge, Raven INS integrates navigation, situational awareness and decision support tools into a single, seamless interface. By combining key navigation data on one platform, Raven INS supports captains and navigation officers with a clearer overview, greater precision and enhanced operational control.
The NES delivery includes the 10.1 MWh battery pack, Quadro Master DC switchboard system, Raven INS, energy control and monitoring systems, AC switchboards and distribution boards, integrated alarm system (IAS), generator and hybrid setup, bridge consoles, data logging and system integration engineering.
This project is the result of close collaboration between Norwegian technology and Turkish shipbuilding expertise. NES wishes to thank everyone involved at Cemre Shipyard, Scandlines, and our own teams across Bergen, Egersund, Ålesund and Istanbul for their commitment, professionalism and teamwork throughout the project.
Together, we’re raising the bar for maritime solutions.
Photos courtesy of Cemre Shipyard.