Norway: Ferries Going Electric

Robert Clifford, chairman of Incat Tasmania, believes that major power for ferries going forward is electric.

Over 70 of Norwegian ferries would benefit economically from being replaced by either fully electric or hybrid ferries.

Future of the Fjords is the first fully electric carbon-fiber ferry with a unique charging solution. Electrifying European transport is a clear-cut way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The electric ferry Ellen has an energy efficiency rating of 85%, almost twice that of diesel-powered craft, according to Norways tough environmental legislation is spearheading the drive towards battery-powered ferries and the technology.

Without immediate action, the share of emissions coming from transport could rise to 40% by 2030. The country's biggest ferry system is going electric in what local officials hope is an early step toward decarbonizing.

The transition to electric ferries is not without its challenges. The cost of building and operating electric ferries is higher than that of diesel-powered ferries, and the technology is still relatively new. However, the benefits of electric ferries are clear: they are more efficient, produce zero emissions, and are quieter than diesel-powered ferries.

As the technology continues to improve and the cost of batteries decreases, electric ferries are likely to become increasingly common. In the meantime, Norway is leading the way in the transition to electric ferries, and its experience will be valuable for other countries that are considering making the switch.