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A decade of ferry electrification

Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) was founded in 2009 and develops power, automation and navigation systems for the maritime industry. Our early work focused on advanced diesel-electric and hybrid power systems for offshore and specialised vessels, before expanding into ferry electrification as battery-electric solutions entered the market.

Since then, NES has delivered systems to 41 ferries and 30 shore charging stations, primarily along the Norwegian coast. The company has worked on both newbuilds and retrofit projects, supporting ferry operators in the gradual transition from conventional propulsion to hybrid and fully electric operations.

Many of the technologies now being used in automated and future autonomous ferry projects build on operational experience gained through years of electrification projects. This includes energy management, automated charging, integrated bridge systems, vessel control and communication between vessels and shore infrastructure.

Norway’s ferry network has become an important arena for testing and developing low- and zero-emission maritime transport. Frequent departures, short crossings and close cooperation between ferry operators, authorities and technology suppliers have contributed to rapid development over the past decade.

NES has delivered power, automation and navigation systems to 41 electric ferries, supporting the transition from conventional propulsion to hybrid and fully electric ferry operations along the Norwegian coast.

The Lavik–Oppedal project

One of the latest examples is the Lavik–Oppedal project on the Sognefjord, where four battery-electric ferries are currently being prepared for operation for one of the major Norwegian ferry operators, Fjord1.

NES is delivering the power, automation and navigation systems for the vessels, while also developing systems that will enable automated functions such as autocrossing and autodocking in later phases of the project.

The autonomous functionality will be introduced gradually after the vessels enter operation. In the first stages, the systems will primarily function as decision-support tools for the captain and operators on shore. Over time, more automated functions will be introduced as operational experience develop.

As of early 2026, all four ferries have been launched at Tersan Shipyard in Turkey, and commissioning of onboard systems is underway. The vessels are expected to enter operation on the Lavik–Oppedal crossing from late 2026 onwards.

NES is also delivering charging infrastructure for the route, allowing the ferries to recharge during short turnaround times at each quay. Together, the project combines electrification, automation and integrated vessel control in one ferry system.

For NES, projects such as Lavik–Oppedal represent a continuation of technologies and operational concepts the company has worked on for many years, from diesel-electric propulsion and hybridisation to battery-electric ferry operations and increasingly integrated vessel control systems.

Shore charging infrastructure

In parallel with onboard systems, NES has delivered shore charging infrastructure for ferry routes along the Norwegian coast. The charging systems are designed for high-frequency ferry operations, including routes with short turnaround times and limited grid capacity.

Click here to watch a video of shore charging station for MF Kommandøren, at Halhjem in Norway.

*NES has delivered 30 shore charging stations for ferry routes in Norway, including battery-supported solutions designed for locations with limited grid capacity and short turnaround times.*

Several of the installations include battery-supported charging systems that help stabilise power demand and enable reliable charging operations in areas with weaker grid infrastructure.

NES has also delivered the world’s highest-capacity shore charging systems for ferry operations as part of the Scandlines’ Baltic Whale project between Denmark and Germany.

The system supports charging capacities of up to 15 MW, enabling large battery-electric ferries to recharge during normal port operations and supporting emission-free operation on one of Northern Europe’s busiest ferry routes.

Retrofit projects

In addition to newbuild projects, NES delivers retrofit solutions for existing ferries. The goal is often to extend vessel lifetime while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Typical upgrades include battery integration, new power distribution systems, shore charging, automation and propulsion control.

One example is MF Fannefjord on the Drag–Kjøpsvik route in Northern Norway. Previously operating on conventional fuel, the ferry was converted for fully electric operation on the 15-kilometre crossing across Tysfjord, today one of Norway’s longest fully electric ferry routes.

NES delivered the vessel’s DC power system, battery integration and shore charging infrastructure. During docking, the ferry charges using more than 3 MW of charging power. This allows fully electric operation on a route with short turnaround times, changing weather conditions and high operational demands.

The project demonstrates how existing ferries can be converted to zero-emission operation without compromising regularity, reliability or passenger comfort.

Click here to watch a video of the Drag-Kjøpsvik route.