Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 and Tersan Shipyard of Turkey have concluded a contract for the construction of four autonomous ferries.
The vessels are designed by HAV Design of Norway to combine efficiency, safety, and innovation. At 120m in overall length, Fjord1’s new autonomous ferries are intended to enhance connectivity on the Lavik-Oppedal connection starting from September 2026. Each vessel will have a capacity for 399 persons including the crew and 120 passenger cars.
Replacing manual functions with a high degree of autonomous functions, a land-based control centre is being planned to monitor and potentially remotely control the ferries. Enumerated with hull numbers NB1130, NB1131, NB1132, NB1133, the ferries are planned to be delivered during the 1st half of 2026
Meanshile, Tersan has recent.y handed over two battery-electric ferries to Fjord1: Sunnylvsfjord and Norddalsfjord, also designed by HAV Design.
Sunnylvsfjord is 84m in length, with capacity of 248 persons (including crew), 80 cars and six trailers. Fjord1 will deploy Sunnylvsfjord on the Stranda-Liabygda route. It was closely followed by sister ship Norddalsfjord, destined for the Eidsdal-Linge route. Both vessels feature battery propulsion and fast-charging capabilities. Sunnylvsfjord and Norddalsfjord are the eighth and ninth vessels delivered to Fjord1 since 2017. With a commitment to reduce emissions, Fjord1 and Tersan say they continue to lead the way in sustainable maritime solutions.
Image: Four autonomous ferries have been ordered by Fjord1 from Tersan (source: Tersan Shipyard)
