By
Alex Smith |
Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) is to supply its technologies for four autonomous, zero-emission ferries that will operate for Fjord 1 on the Lavik-Oppedal crossing on the northwest coast of Norway, after it agreed a contract with shipbuilder Tersan Shipyard.
NES will act as system integrator for the project, and will provide system deliveries for power system, automation and bridge design, including navigation and communication solutions.
The company will prepare the vessel ahead of the delivery of autonomous vessel technologies, as well as delivering an extended automation scope to ready the vessel for future autonomous sailing and docking capabilities. The propulsion package, meanwhile, will include switchboards, batteries, generators and onboard charging solutions.
NES’ three Norwegian facilities in Bergen, Egersund and Alesund will design, assemble and test the equipment for the four ferries. Its office in Istanbul, Turkey, will supply part of the technical scope as well as commissioning support onboard the vessels.
“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,” said Siv Remøy-Vangen, managing director of 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.”
HAV Design, NES’ sister company, was contracted in March 2024 to deliver ship design and an engineering package for the four vessels. The design is based on an operating concept that HAV Design has created with Fjord1, which will see navigation and other previously manual vessel functions become automated.
“This contract is of major importance to NES and HAV Group,” said Gunnar Larsen, CEO of parent company 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.”
The four ferries will begin operation from 1 September 2026.