Fjord1, a ferry operator in Norway, has commissioned Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to supply two onshore charging stations for its fleet of autonomous, zero-emission ferries set to operate between Lavik and Oppedal starting September 2026. The move reinforces Fjord1’s commitment to environmentally friendly ferry operations and advances Norway’s push towards sustainable transport solutions.
The Lavik-Oppedal route spans 5.6 kilometers across the Sognefjord and is among Norway’s most vital ferry connections, facilitating the transport of 1.2 million cars annually. Fjord1, awarded the operational contract for the route from September 2026 to August 2034, will deploy four zero-emission ferries, each with a capacity of 120 cars. The ferries, running at 15-minute intervals, will offer an upgrade over the current service, which operates three ships every 20 minutes.
The charging stations, to be installed at the Lavik and Oppedal jetties, will enable the ferries to fully recharge within 10 minutes. NES will deliver containerized charging systems, which include transformers, control panels, data acquisition systems, and autonomous charging plugs. These systems are tailored for integration with the ferries’ autonomous functions.
“Fjord1 is very pleased to enter this agreement with Norwegian Electric Systems for delivery of the charging stations to the Lavik-Oppedal ferry crossing. This partnership represents one of many important steps towards more environmentally friendly ferry operations,” said Odd Bjarte Johnsen, Fjord1’s project manager.
This order marks the third NES contract for the Lavik-Oppedal ferries. Earlier in 2024, NES was engaged to supply power, automation, and navigation systems, as well as develop autonomous operational capabilities for the vessels. NES’s Managing Director, Siv Remøy-Vangen, highlighted the company’s extensive experience in onshore charging solutions, adding, “These charging stations will be further developed to meet the autonomous operations from the ferries.”
Fjord1’s dedication to electrification extends beyond this project. The company has a proven track record of transitioning its fleet to sustainable propulsion systems, including commissioning NES in 2021 to convert three ferries to battery operations and supplying drive systems for five electric ferries in 2020. With over 80 ships in operation, Fjord1 continues to lead Norway’s green maritime transformation.