World’s first fully electric ferry celebrates 10 years in service

FerrySince entering service in 2015, Norled’s AMPERE has sailed a distance equivalent to 17 laps around the equator using only batteries, cementing its status as a trailblazer in sustainable maritime transport. A decade later, this pioneering vessel continues to highlight the transformative power of electric technology, defying early sceptics and inspiring hundreds of electric ferries worldwide.

Its journey began with a bold decision by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to demand sustainable technology for a new ferry crossing the Sognefjord, leading Norled and Fjellstrand Shipyard to collaborate with Siemens, Corvus Energy, and others to overcome challenges like untested battery lifespans and absent regulations.

AMPERE slashes CO2 emissions by 2,700 tonnes annually and cuts crossing costs by 85-90% compared to diesel, saving nearly USD 15 million since its debut on the Lavik-Oppedal route. This success has electrified 80-90 ferries in Norway, spurred advancements in battery systems—from 1 MWh on Ampere to 43 MWh for a new Incat ferry—and triggered a global shift towards green shipping. Recently fitted with additional batteries to extend its lifespan, the AMPERE will sail until 2026, when four autonomous ferries will take over, continuing its legacy of innovation.

Feb 21 2025