World’s first: Fjord1 orders battery-powered autonomous double-ended ferries

Türkiye’s Tersan Shipyard has received a shipbuilding order from Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 AS for four battery-powered autonomous double-ended ferries, said to be the world’s first.

Tersan and Fjord1 revealed the shipbuilding contract on February 27, stating that the new ferries will “revolutionize coastal transport, combining efficiency, safety, and innovation”.

These zero-emission ferries will operate between Lavik and Oppedal in Norway from September 1, 2026.

According to Fjord1, the ferries will incorporate autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions, thus replacing manual operations.

Implementation of automation functions and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking, will take place in 2027, while autonomous navigation will be implemented in 2028.

Tersan collaborated with Fjord1 in 2021 when the Turkish shipyard was selected to build two eco-friendly battery-powered sister ferries for the Norwegian operator. Before this, Tersan Shipyard delivered six all-electric ferries to Fjord1.

Fjord1 is also expecting to take delivery of three new electric ferries in the second and third quarter of 2024, and the vessels will enter into operation on a 15-year contract with Vestland County Council in January 2025.