Grupo ETE has delivered Portugal's first zero-emission electric ferry - Salicornia (identification/MMSI 244100056), following a christening ceremony at Navaltagus Shipyard in Seixal. This vessel, entirely developed by national companies, marks a pioneering moment as the first electric ferry on the Iberian Peninsula.
With a total investment of EUR 7.3 million, the Salicornia is set to undergo navigation and loading tests in Aveiro before its official inauguration. It will replace an existing ferry service connecting Sao Jacinto and the Fort of Barra in Ilhavo.
The newbuild has LOA length 37 m, width10 m, and capacity to accommodate 260 passengers and 19 vehicles. MS Salicornia boasts a 30% increase in passenger capacity and a remarkable 90% increase in cargo capacity compared to the current vessel in operation.
The vessel is anticipated to make substantial environmental contributions, with an estimated reduction of ~300 tons of CO2 emissions and ~30% decrease in energy consumption.
The shipbuilder is Navaltagus Reparacao e Construcao Naval (shipyard in Seixal) under the management of Grupo ETE - Portugal's largest maritime and logistics entity.
Jose Ribau Esteves (Aveiro's Mayor) emphasized the new ferry as a paradigm of how local authorities should approach public investment. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing citizens and emphasizing environmental sustainability and the battle against climate change.
The Electric Ferryboat project is co-financed by POSEUR, Portugal 2020, and the EU (through the Cohesion Fund), amounting to EUR 2,25 million. The total investment by Aveiro City Council, covering the ferryboat and charging system, is ~EUR 9 million.