The ‘IJveer’ ferries provide daily public transport on the river IJ in Amsterdam. These ferries were built by Holland Shipyards in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, the Netherlands, and are  powered with EST-Floattech Lithium-Ion Polymer technology (273kWh). The electrification of the vessels is driven by the city’s ambition to provide sustainable public transport; transport that benefits the crew, the passengers and citizens living nearby.

Partially powered by 26 Green Orca 1050 modules, producing 273 kWh in total, the new ferries are larger and cleaner than the old diesel-fuelled ferries. Each ferry is able to transport 70 more passengers on each crossing of the increasingly busy IJ waterway, while making less noise and producing lower emissions.

Although the first IJveer, IJveer 60, was the blueprint for developing the complete ‘IJveren 60-series’, the design of the vessels evolved during the process. A few adjustments have been made, amongst which a larger installed battery-base, a different type of thrusters and cleaner engines.

Amsterdam’s transport company GVB has adopted its hybrid approach for environmental and practical reasons. The city’s rapid growth includes a significant growth of passenger journeys between Amsterdam city centre and its increasingly populous northern area across the river. The number of residents is set to increase to 106,000 people at a fast pace. Hence, efficient and environmentally friendly public transport is needed.