Preparing for Electric Ferries: TESO’s Roadmap from the 2023 Grid Deal to the 2027 Decision

If you travel between Den Helder and Texel, you’ve likely wondered what the shift to electric ferries could mean for your journey. TESO has already taken important steps: a 2023 grid-connection contract with Liander, a clear decision point slated for 2027, and a technical assessment indicating our vessels could be converted to electric propulsion within a year. Here’s how we’re preparing, what must happen next, and what passengers might expect if the transition proceeds.

Why electric ferries matter in the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site—beautiful and delicate. Reducing emissions and noise in such areas supports cleaner air, quieter harbours, and healthier ecosystems. Electric drivetrains can help by delivering near-zero emissions at the point of use when charged with green power, and by lowering engine noise compared to traditional diesel propulsion. For passengers, this can translate to a more serene crossing and cleaner terminals.

TESO’s path toward electrification builds on a long-standing commitment to reliable, sustainable service:

• Since 1907, we have maintained the ferry connection between Texel and Den Helder, with a continued focus on reliable, passenger-first operations.
• Thirty percent more CO₂ neutrality since 2008 through the use of biodiesel and the fuel additive Soltron.
• Green shore power for our ships during overnight mooring on Texel, supplied by TexelEnergie—cutting fuel use and eliminating overnight soot and fine particulate emissions from onboard generators.
• Hybrid innovation aboard Texelstroom: the ship runs on diesel in combination with batteries and features 462 solar panels on the top deck that generate energy while sailing.
• Eco-friendly Automooring System (vacuum-pad robots) allows engines to be switched off during loading and unloading, improving air quality in the Wadden Sea area and reducing fuel use at berth.
• Fuel-saving with XMILE: adding a small quantity of XMILE to our diesel saves about 140,000 litres annually and reduces emissions (CO₂ by 6%, NOx by 9%, CO by 32%, and soot by 40%).
• Supporting marine science with NIOZ: measuring devices aboard our ships (including Acoustic Doppler current profilers) help chart water flow, suspended sediment, and seabed elevation in the Marsdiep, contributing to key insights about the Wadden system.

These measures reduce today’s footprint while preparing the ground for tomorrow’s electric operations.

The roadmap to electric ferries

2023 — Securing the grid connection

In 2023, TESO signed a contract with Liander for the required grid connection. High-capacity shore power is a prerequisite for electric ferries, ensuring sufficient charging during short turnaround windows.

2027 — Decision point on feasibility

By 2027, it will become clear whether the grid connection can be realised. This is the pivotal milestone that determines how and when electric operations can proceed.

Technical conversion window — Within one year

Recent research shows that, from a technical perspective, TESO’s ships could be fully converted to electric propulsion within a year. While this indicates strong technical readiness, actual timelines depend on the grid connection and related infrastructure.

Partnering for local green energy

Alongside grid planning, TESO is working with partners such as the Texel Council to investigate whether large-scale green energy can be generated on the island. Local renewable generation could complement shore power over time and strengthen the sustainability of charging.

What electric ferries would mean for passengers

• Quieter crossings: Electric propulsion typically lowers ambient noise, enhancing onboard comfort and harbour serenity.
• Cleaner air at terminals: Shore charging and zero-emission sailing (at point of use) reduce exposure to exhaust at busy embarkation points.
• Reliable connections remain central: Since 1907, reliability has been at the heart of TESO. That focus continues through the transition.
• A familiar onboard experience: Expect the same passenger-first service, including the saloon buffet, local treats, and a small souvenir selection—now underpinned by more sustainable operations.

What has to happen behind the scenes

Electrification is more than swapping engines. It requires coordinated infrastructure, operations, and safety planning. Here are the core building blocks in simple terms:

• High-capacity shore power: The grid connection must deliver sufficient power for rapid charging between sailings without disrupting local supply.
• Charging strategy: Charging windows align with the timetable. Smart energy management balances battery health, charging speed, and operational needs.
• Battery systems and integration: Maritime-grade batteries, power electronics, and controls must be integrated with propulsion, navigation, and safety systems.
• Safety and training: Electric vessels rely on rigorous safety standards and crew training for battery handling, monitoring, and emergency response.
• Grid readiness and resilience: Upgrades and protections ensure stable power delivery during peak charging periods.

These steps are standard practice in maritime electrification and help deliver safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

Timeline at a glance

• 2023: Contract signed with Liander for the necessary grid connection.
• 2027: Clarity on whether that grid connection can be realised.
• Conversion window: Technically, ships could be fully converted within one year, contingent on infrastructure readiness.

Quick answers (for fast readers)

• When will TESO decide on electric ferries?
  By 2027 it will become clear whether the required grid connection can be realised, which determines the path forward.

• What happened in 2023?
  TESO signed a contract with Liander to secure the necessary grid connection for potential electrification.

• How fast could ships become electric?
  From a technical perspective, within one year of proceeding.

• What’s being done in the meantime?
  TESO continues to operate as efficiently as possible and explores large-scale green energy on Texel with partners such as the Texel Council.

• What sustainability steps are already in place?
  Biodiesel and Soltron (30% more CO₂ neutrality since 2008), green shore power (TexelEnergie) during overnight mooring, hybrid Texelstroom with 462 solar panels, Automooring for engines-off loading, and XMILE for fuel and emission reductions.

Practical takeaways for travellers today

While preparations continue, you can already travel more sustainably with TESO and plan smooth crossings:

1. Plan ahead

   • Check departure information and guidance under “planning your journey,” including directions to the ferry harbours in Den Helder and on Texel.
   • If you travel by car, follow crew instructions, park close to the car in front to maximise capacity, switch off the engine and alarm, and apply the handbrake.

2. Consider flexible ticketing

   • If you travel regularly, explore multiple return tickets (5 or 15 journeys) via MyTESO or at the ticket desk on a TESO pass (one-off pass fee: € 3.00). These options are designed to make frequent travel easier and more economical over time.

3. Enjoy onboard comfort

   • Visit the saloon buffet for fresh rolls, soups, and local treats, or pick up a souvenir of Texel while taking in the sea views.

4. Stay informed

   • Keep an eye on our sustainability updates and news. As we approach 2027, we’ll share clear guidance on the next steps toward electric operations.

How today’s sustainability actions pave the way

Electrification succeeds when daily operations already prioritise efficiency and emissions reduction. Several of TESO’s measures do exactly that:

• Automooring and green shore power reduce fuel use in port and limit emissions in sensitive areas.
• Hybrid operations and onboard solar on Texelstroom build experience with batteries and smart power management.
• Fuel additives (Soltron and XMILE) and biodiesel demonstrate measurable, ongoing reductions while infrastructure is readied.
• Scientific collaboration with NIOZ strengthens knowledge of the Wadden ecosystem, informing responsible operations.

Together, these steps shorten the learning curve for electric ferries and ensure we’re ready to move decisively once infrastructure is confirmed.

Conclusion: On course for a cleaner crossing

TESO’s roadmap to electric ferries is deliberate and data-driven: a 2023 grid deal, a 2027 decision point, and a clear technical pathway to conversion. In the meantime, we’re cutting emissions today and preparing the infrastructure and partnerships that make electric crossings feasible tomorrow.

Have questions or feedback? Explore our pages on sustainability, planning your journey, and rates for vehicles, or contact us directly at info@teso.nl or +31 222 36 96 00. We look forward to welcoming you on board.