HAV Group company Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has been contracted by Tersan Shipyard to act as system integrator and supplier of various technologies for four autonomous, zero-emission ferries that will operate the Lavik-Oppedal crossing on the northwest coast of Norway.
Under the contract, NES will act as a system integrator and provide complete system deliveries for power system, automation and bridge design, including navigation and communication solutions for the four ferries. As part of its system integrator role and under this specific contract, NES will prepare the vessels for the delivery of autonomous vessel technologies. Additionally, NES is delivering an extended automation scope in order to ready the vessel for future autonomous sailing and docking capabilities.
NES MD Siv Remøy-Vangen said: “To be trusted with the system integrator role for what will become the world’s most advanced passenger ferries, is a proud moment for NES. The equipment deliveries that are part of this contract are highly familiar to us, having supplied multiple similar zero-emission maritime technologies and solutions in the past. We look forward to collaborating again with Tersan Shipyard and Fjord1 on this project.”
The NES propulsion package, including switchboards, batteries, generators and on-board charging solutions, has been designed to secure reliable and efficient vessel operations. All components will work in harmony to optimise vessel performance and reduce environmental footprint.
NES, which specialises in energy design and smart control systems, will use its three Norwegian facilities in Bergen, Egersund, and Ålesund to design, assemble, and test equipment. The company’s office in Istanbul, Turkey, will supply part of the technical scope as well as commissioning support on board the vessels,
Gunnar Larsen, CEO HAV Group added: “This contract is of major importance to NES and HAV Group. We are very thankful for the opportunity to support Fjord1 in realising this groundbreaking project and to help shape the future of maritime passenger transport.”
NES’ sister company, HAV Design, has been contracted to deliver ship design and an engineering package for all four autonomous ferries. The ship design is based on a future-oriented operating concept that ferry operator Fjord1 has developed together with HAV Design. The ferries will be able to operate with autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions that replace manual operations on board.
The Lavik–Oppedal ferry route crosses the Sognefjord, on the northwest coast of Norway, from Lavik in Høyanger municipality to Ytre Oppedal in Gulen municipality. The ferry crossing takes 20 minutes, and the route is 5.6km long. The four newbuild zero emission ferries are scheduled to operate the route from September 2026 onwards.
Image: Fjord1 zero-emission ferries (source: Norwegian Electric Systems)
