NEWS

The world’s first battery-powered electric ferry, Ampere, has entered service sailing between Lavik and Oppedal on the Sognefjord, Norway. Operated by Norled, the Norwegian shipping company, the venture is a major step in the evolution of emission-free ferries and significantly reduces the cost of fuel.

In conjunction with shipbuilder Fjellstrand, Siemens installed the complete electric propulsion system and put up charging stations with lithium-ion batteries which are charged from hydro power. The vessel only uses 150 kWh per route, which corresponds to three days use of electricity in a standard household.

By changing to battery power, Norled, is reducing the cost of fuel by up to 60%. The vessel is a significant step on the road to operating completely emission-free ferries along Norway’s long coastline – there are at least 50 other routes would be capable of sustaining battery-operated vessels.