AVL Completes Smart Electrification of Short Straits Ferries Consortium Feasibility Study

AVL together with consortium partners DFDS, and the University of Kent, through the Centre of Logistics and Sustainability Analytics (CeLSA) have successfully completed the Smart Electrification of Short Straits Ferries (SESSF) consortium feasibility study. The study supports DFDS’ selection of the most viable designs for e-vessels, to operate cross-channel routes between the United Kingdom and Europe. 

Basildon, United Kingdom, July 2025: This project is part of the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. SSAF is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector. 

The consortium successfully completed a feasibility study to support the selection of the most viable designs for e-vessels operating on cross-channel routes between Dover to Calais and Dunkirk. The designs consider ship, propulsion and battery systems across a wide range of operating scenarios. AVL led the overall project management, and utilising their expertise in batteries and simulation solutions were responsible for the simulation work package, using AVL CRUISE™ M, a multi-domain system simulation tool for mobility concept analysis, subsystem design and layout, and virtual component integration.

AVL developed a CRUISE™ M scenario-based e-vessels powertrain simulation model. Applying DFDS’ intended electric vessel resistance and kinematics characteristics and existing duty cycles of ferries operating on cross-channel routes, the operation of electric powertrain, battery, e-motor and the propulsion system can be simulated within various scenarios. 

AVL’s CRUISE™ M model has been integrated within a techno-economic digital decision-support tool which was developed by CeLSA. The decision-support tool, which was designed in the form of an application, allows an end-user such as DFDS to explore their optimal strategic and operation options for the deployment of new electric ferries, considering a range of scenarios including battery size, route, path and shoreside infrastructure charging availability.

The collaboration will play a crucial role in DFDS achieving their goal of deploying battery electric ships on The Short Straits from 2030. It also has the potential to have a wider impact in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector as the key insights such as the projected reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be shared with industry and government departments, for example the DfT, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Innovate UK. 

Dr Mamadou Ndiaye, Research & Development Department Leader, AVL Powertrain UK Limited: “We are very happy to have led this transformative project. The marine sector is moving towards a common goal – a clean maritime future and we hope that the learnings from the feasibility study will be an important tool in driving towards this goal. We are excited to explore future collaborative opportunities with DFDS and the University of Kent as we support the maritime industry’s transition towards decarbonisation.”

Timothy van Vugt, Head of Transformation, DFDS: “We value the opportunity to have participated in this transformational feasibility study, which has allowed us to share knowledge and collaborate towards the common goal to decarbonise the maritime sector. Working alongside AVL and the University of Kent through the SESSF project has strengthened our commitment to sustainable innovation and advanced our ambition to electrify our cross-Channel fleet. Looking ahead, we are excited to explore future opportunities and build on the insights gained through this collaboration to help shape a cleaner maritime future.”

Dr Ramin Raeesi, Director of CeLSA and Reader in Management Science at the University of Kent: “Introducing electric ferries to the Short Straits is a bold and capital-intensive move with far-reaching implications for the sustainability and long-term viability of cross-channel operations. It is therefore essential that any design and integration decisions be supported by robust, data-driven analysis across a range of operational scenarios and simulations. We’re pleased that the SESSF project has supported DFDS in this effort through the successful development of the first generation of the SESSF decision support system.”