Project Manager, Kolbein Lunde, explains that the hybridization is in line with the green shift and Westcon Yards' investments in green, maritime solutions.

- The ferry runs on electricity from on-shore charging stations, and charges every time she docks to receive new passengers. The electricity is then stored on batteries onboard with enough energy to get from Horten to Moss before she needs to charge again.

The work of converting BASTØ VI from diesel to hybrid operations was set to be completed between 02.11.2021 and 31.03.2022. The progress plan for this project determined that the sea trials should start 24.03.2022 - and at 08.06 Thursday the 23rd of March, BASTØ VI left the quay for her sea trials.

- Westcon managed to deliver on time, and the sea trials went perfectly - BASTØ VI works well, says Lunde.

The shipping company Bastø Fosen is rich in tradition and is the daughter company of Torghatten ASA. Bastø Fosen transports over 3,7 million passengers and 1,8 million vehivles each year. The number of yearly ferry departures between Horten and Moss is around 36 000, with a total diesel consumption of aprox. 8,5 million litres. In addition to the conversion of the two ferries, Bastø Fosen has also invested in a brand new, fully electric ferry. When all three ferries are operational, the fuel consumption on this ferry connection will be reduced by 75%.