World’s First Autonomous, Battery-Electric Ferries To Set Sail In Norway

Fjord1, a Norwegian ferry operator, is set to transform maritime travel by launching the world’s first series of autonomous, battery-electric ferries.

These zero-emission vessels, powered by SCHOTTEL EcoPellers, will be built at Turkey’s Tersan Shipyard.

The ferries are expected to begin service in September 2026. They will provide a highly sustainable and efficient mode of transit across Norway’s renowned Sognefjord, connecting Lavik and Oppedal.

The ferries will each be outfitted with two electrically powered SCHOTTEL EcoPellers type SRE 340. This approach will greatly reduce mechanical losses and energy consumption, increase efficiency, and limit operational and capital costs.

The revolutionary propulsion system strengthens Fjord1’s focus on efficiency and sustainability. Norwegian HAV Design will provide the ship design and an engineering package to assist the project.

Additionally, removing an upper gearbox in the propulsion system provides extra benefits, such as lesser noise and vibration. This modification is expected to enhance passenger comfort onboard.

The thrusters will feature SCHOTTEL’s MariHub condition monitoring system, allowing for condition-based maintenance while ensuring optimal performance at all times.

The double-ended ferries, each 120 metres long and 18.60 metres wide, will be able to transport 399 passengers and 120 automobiles. Their design aims to replace manual operations with autonomous systems like autocrossing and autodocking.

Full automation and automated navigation features will be introduced gradually, starting from 2027, with autonomous navigation expected to to be fully operational by 2028.

A land-based control center will monitor and, if required, control the ferries as they travel.

Reference: Schottel