Norwegian-made electric ferries ‘could reduce pollution in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour’
Local engineers cast doubts on project fearing it may cause overall emissions from the city’s fossil fuel-run power plants to increase
A Tesla of the seas could be coming to Hong Kong if the Norwegians can convince local ferry operators to snap up the world’s first fully electric vessel.
With Hong Kong ferries responsible for the lion’s share of Victoria Harbour’s pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Department, the move to replace diesel-chugging engines with a zero-emission battery-run equivalent is a solution touted by the Norwegian consulate – who believed the Star Ferry would be the best to first undergo the transformation.
While the ferry being fully electric would reduce emissions in the harbour, its overall effect for Hong Kong might not be better for pollution levels
“We have a 100 per cent electric ferry operating in the Sognefjord in Norway and it seems to be doing great,” saidConsul GeneralEspen Rikter-Svendsen. “If it can be done in the fjords of Norway, then certainly it can be done in the harbour of Hong Kong.”
The world’s first electric ferry, 80 metres long and 20 metres wide, crosses a fjord in southern Norway in 20-minute stints, travelling 6km stretches 34 times a day – a journey similar to many Hong Kong ferries.
Rikter-Svendsen said production of more electric ferries was under way and more than 50 current vessels were being converted and slated to have their maiden voyage by 2018.
