Norled to build three new battery-hybrid ferries after winning tenders

FerryNorled won the tender for the ferry connections Stokkvågen-Lovund and Stokkvågen-Træna with intermediate locations after delivering a concept that cuts emissions by up to 90 percent. Three new battery-hybrid ferries will enter the connection in 2027.

- The citizens and businesses in Nordland depend on good transport options, and we are looking forward to getting the new ferries into operation. We look forward to the collaboration with Norled to get new and environmentally friendly ferries in place, says county councilor for transport, Marianne Dobak Kvensjø.

The new ferries are designed specifically for the connection and to give the passengers and crew a good travel experience as they sail almost silently across the sea.

- We are looking forward to further cooperation with Nordland County Municipality and greatly appreciate the fact that they promoted emission-free solutions in their tender. Norled has long and good experience with electric ferries, and we are looking forward to sailing electrically in Nordland as well, says Heidi Wolden, managing director of Norled.

The three newbuildings will become 84.5m long and 15m wide, and each have capacity for 60 cars and 250 passengers including crew.

The battery capacity for each of the ferries is approximately 8,000 kWh, making them the ferries with the largest battery capacity in Norway.

-Norled has an ambitious sustainability strategy with a clear goal of reducing emissions in our ferry and high-speed ferry fleet until 2040. This means that we invest in low- and zero-emission vessels. The Stokkvågen-Lovund-Træna tender was therefore a tender we are very happy to win, explains Heidi Wolden

Norled has entered into a letter of intent with Havyard shipyard for the construction of the three ferries and also has an option for a fourth vessel. LMG Marin is behind the design.

- It is very great to be able to announce such news to our employees just before Christmas. The agreement gives us an excellent start for our investment in new construction. In addition, it will give us a long-term perspective, which is very important. We greatly appreciate the process we have been a part of together with both Norled and LMG, and are looking forward to the collaboration, says Silje Smådal, sales manager at Havyard Leirvik.

Dec 22 2023