The Turkish-based shipbuilder Tersan Shipyard signed recently a contract with the Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1, which deals with the world’s first autonomous ferry connection, for four new zero-emission ferries which will operate the Lavik-Oppedal ferry connection in Norway from 1 September 2026.
The ferries must operate with autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions that replace manual operations.
Implementation of automation functions and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking will take place in 2027, while autonomous navigation will be implemented in 2028.
Nils Kristian Berge, the technology and project director at Fjord1, pointed out that “It was very important for Fjord1 to win this development contract where the Norwegian Road Administration saw demands to develop the green ferry industry one step further, with demands for an increased degree of autonomy and automation through the use of new technology.”
“We have a good concept that we look forward to realising,” added Nils Kristian Berge.
