NES to power autonomous ferries

Under the contract, NES will act as system integrator and provide the power system, automation, bridge design and nav/comms for the ferries which will operate the Lavik-Oppedal crossing on the northwest coast of Norway.

NES is also preparing the vessels – expected to begin operation in September 2026 for ferry operator Fjord1 – for future autonomous sailing and docking capabilities.

“To be trusted with the system integrator role for what will become the world’s most advanced passenger ferries, is a proud moment for NES,” said Siv Remøy-Vangen, managing director of NES.

“The equipment deliveries that are part of this contract are highly familiar to us, having supplied multiple similar zero-emission maritime technologies and solutions in the past.”

In early March, Norwegian Electric Systems’ sister company, HAV Design, was contracted to deliver ship design and an engineering package for all four autonomous ferries.

NES, which specialises in energy design and smart control systems, will uses its three Norwegian facilities in Bergen, Egersund, and Ålesund to design, assemble and test equipment. The company’s office in Istanbul, Turkey, will supply part of the technical scope as well as commissioning support on board the vessels.