Written by
Nick Blenkey
Norway’s HAV Design has received a contract to design and develop 4 newbuild, zero-emission autonomous ferries for ferry operator Fjord1. To be constructed at Turkey’s Tersan Shipyard, they’ll function on the Lavik–Oppedal ferry route that crosses the Sognefjord, on the northwest coast of Norway, a 20 minute, 5.6 kilometer crossing.
Every 120-meter lengthy vessel may have a capability of 399 passengers and crew and 120 passenger automobiles.
Fjord1 was chosen to function the route by the Norwegian Highway Authority, which, aiming to take the inexperienced ferry trade one step additional, set necessities for an elevated diploma of autonomy and automation.
The ferries will function with autonomous navigation and with a excessive diploma of automation of vessel capabilities changing guide operations. They’re to begin working on the route in September 2026. Implementation of automation capabilities and autonomous programs, together with autocrossing and autodocking will happen in 2027, whereas autonomous navigation can be applied in 2028. A land-based management middle is deliberate that may monitor and doubtlessly remotely management the vessels.
HAV Design will ship the ship design and an engineering package deal for all 4 autonomous ferries. The ship design relies on a future-oriented working idea that Fjord1 has developed along with HAV Design.
“When these 4 ferries have been delivered, HAV Design may have designed 18 electrical ferries for Fjord1. Whereas it is a notable quantity, the environmental and technological profile for these 4 newbuild ferries signify a serious step into the longer term,” says Jan Magne Goksøyr, vice chairman gross sales at HAV Design. “Being allowed to design and develop such extremely revolutionary ferries is a proud second for everybody at HAV Design,”
