Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Ellen

The commissioning of the electric ferry 'Ellen' has been pushed back to June 19, 2023, due to unforeseen challenges that require additional time to resolve. Enhancements and further approvals have been necessary to ensure that all installations comply with essential safety regulations. While the new battery system has been successfully installed and is prepared for use, the ferry will only begin operations once all safety criteria are thoroughly met. The decision to replace 'Ellen's batteries was prompted by a significant capacity loss of up to 30%, which occurred after nearly eight years of service—two years earlier than the anticipated lifespan. The newly installed batteries boast a guaranteed lifespan of 15 years, offering faster charging capabilities and improved efficiency during operations. In light of the high demand for travel to and from Ærø, the ferry service has introduced additional departures using the vessel 'Skjoldnæs' on the Søby-Faaborg route. This increased service capacity comes in response to the numerous sold-out sailings, particularly during public holidays and events, compounded by ongoing asphalt work and the expansion of the port in Søby, which have added additional pressure on transportation services.

The recommissioning of the 'Ellen' ferry has faced yet another setback due to complications with its newly installed battery cooling, degassing, and ventilation system. As a result, the vessel continues to remain at the shipyard in Søby. The shipping company has now adjusted its projected timeline, setting a new target date of June 4 for the ferry's return to service.

The 'Ellen', which operates between Søby and Fynshav, is facing unexpected delays in the replacement of its battery pack. Initially scheduled to resume operations by May 16, the ferry will now remain out of service until at least May 26. The scope of the battery pack replacement has turned out to be more complicated than anticipated, leading to this extended downtime. Since April 15, the vessel has been docked in Søby, awaiting the completion of the repairs. Passengers and operators alike are eager for a swift return to normal service as the timeframe for re-commissioning extends.

The electric ferry 'Ellen' is set for an extended hiatus beginning April 15, 2026, lasting until May 16, 2026, as it undergoes a critical battery replacement. This time, there will be no alternate ferry in operation for the route between Søby and Fynshav, resulting in a full suspension of services for a month. Although the ferry company briefly considered deploying the 'Skjoldnæs' for some of the trips to Fynshav, they ultimately decided against it due to the need for additional crew. The outage is attributed to the impending expiration of the current battery pack, which is set to be replaced with a state-of-the-art battery system supplied by the Swedish company Echandia.

After six years of reliable service, the battery pack of the electric ferry 'Ellen' has reached a point of significant wear, prompting operator Ærøfærgerne to initiate a complete battery replacement. The project, estimated to cost around 20 million Danish crowns, is now moving forward as it goes to tender. This decision comes on the heels of several batteries showing signs of decline during the vessel's operational tests. In a positive development, the municipality plans to sell the recently replaced batteries, which adds a layer of financial consideration to the project. There is a political consensus on funding this vital replacement, especially after 'Ellen' faced operational challenges following a fire in the battery room in July 2023, leading to periods of reduced capacity. This comprehensive battery replacement aims to restore the ferry's performance and reliability for future voyages.

Navigating challenges, the electric ferry 'Ellen', which operates between Als and Ærø, is experiencing battery-related difficulties that have prompted a change in its sailing timetable. The operator, Ærøfærgernes, has announced a reduction in its daily trips from five to four, casting uncertainty over whether the vessel will achieve full operational capacity during the peak season. Just recently, 'Ellen' was reinstated to its normal schedule with five daily sailings, making this adjustment particularly notable. These battery issues began in autumn 2024, and despite the company's efforts to modify both the sailing plan and charging protocols, they must wait for additional batteries to arrive, contingent upon their supplier. As the busy season approaches, both the company and passengers are hopeful for a swift resolution.

The ferry 'Ellen' has faced service interruptions, leading to the cancellation of multiple sailings from Søby and Fynshav. Specifically, departures scheduled for 12:00 p.m. from Søby and the return route at 1:15 p.m. from Fynshav on February 18 and 19, 2025, have been canceled. This follows two previous cancellations on February 17, caused first by an issue with the bridge flap mechanism. The recent disruptions have been attributed to battery-related problems, impacting the ferry's operational capacity.

On November 11, Denmark will witness a temporary hiatus in service for its pioneering full-electric ferry, ELLEN. Measuring 59.5 meters in length and 12.8 meters in beam, this revolutionary vessel, constructed at Søby Værft for Ærøfærgerne, will be out of commission for a duration of three weeks. The downtime is necessary to implement optimizations and replace 168 of its 840 battery modules, ensuring continued reliability and efficiency in its operations.