Fjord1 moves forward with autonomous zero-emissions ferry quartet

Ferry operator Fjord1 has contracted Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to deliver two onshore charging stations for use by the four autonomous, zero-emissions ferries that will operate the Lavik-Oppedal crossing on the west coast of Norway.

One onshore charging station will be installed at the berth in Lavik and the other in Oppedal. Lavik-Oppedal is a 5.6-km ferry route that crosses the Sognefjord, on the west coast of Norway. The ferries will be close to fully charged in approximately 10 minutes while at port.

Under the contract, NES will supply two complete containerised onshore charging stations, including transformers, switchboards, a control system and data collection system, plus the charging plug that connects the charging stations to the vessels.

“This partnership represents one of many important steps towards more environmentally friendly ferry operations. We have received similar deliveries in the past and are very satisfied with the co-operation we have with NES,” said Fjord1 project manager Odd Bjarte Johnsen.

Delivery of the onshore charging stations is scheduled for 2026. NES, a subsidiary of HAV Group ASA, will manage the project out of its headquarters in Bergen, Norway. 

“We have delivered multiple onshore charging stations in the past, so this is highly familiar territory for NES. That said, these charging stations will be further developed to meet the autonomous operations from the ferries, and will have some autonomous functions,” said NES managing director Siv Remøy-Vangen.

The contract for the onshore charging stations is the third award Norwegian Electric Systems has received for the Lavik-Oppedal ferries. In March this year, shipbuilder Tersan shipyard in Turkey contracted NES to act as system integrator and provide complete system deliveries for the power system, automation and bridge design including navigation and communication solutions for the four ferries. Subsequently, at the end of May, ferry operator Fjord1 contracted NES to develop systems for automation of vessel functions and autonomous navigation for the ferries.

“To be awarded a third out of a possible three contracts for the Lavik-Oppedal ferries is a fantastic result. The completed delivery to the fjord crossing of Lavik-Oppedal represents the future of ferry transport. We will work extremely hard to ensure we deliver according to Fjord1’s high expectations and quality requirements,” added Mr Remøy-Vangen.