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NORWAY PLACES THE FIRST BATTERY-POWERED AUTONOMOUS FERRY ORDER IN HISTORY
DETAIL INFORMATION
In an effort to accelerate decarbonisation and improve the operational safety and efficiency of boats, Norway is positioned to lead the way in the development of innovative marine technology. Four entirely battery-powered RoRo ferries that can operate autonomously have their designs finished and an order placed for them as part of a Norwegian Public Road Administration-sponsored programme.
IThe Road Administration awarded the contract to Fjord1, the operator of a sizable fleet of ferries and passenger boats that offers domestic transportation in Norway. Tersan Shipyard in Turkey will construct four double-ended ferries per the order. By September 2026, they are expected to be put into service, and during the following two years, a gradual approach to completely autonomous operating certification will start.
According to Nils Kristian Berge, technology and project director at Fjord1, "it was very important for Fjord1 to win this development contract where the Norwegian Road Administration saw a requirement to develop the green ferry industry one step further with requirements for an increased degree of autonomy and automation through the use of new technology." "We're excited to bring our solid concept to life."