Within the framework of the Norwegian Enova program for financial support for zero-emission battery-powered vessel projects, Vestlandske Trafikk, which sails the Geiranger fjord, will convert two ferries to a fully electric system. With battery operation, the ferries will be able to be used throughout the day and recharged at night by the supplier Plug AS. The emission reduction is calculated at 1,975 tons of CO2 per year.
In April, the Storting (Parliament of Norway) established that all passenger vessels under 10,000 tons must have zero emissions in the five World Heritage fjords of Nærøyfjorden, Aurlandsfjorden, Geirangerfjorden, Sunnylvsfjorden and Tafjorden from January 1, 2026. The same requirement will apply to larger passenger vessels in 2032.
The shipping company has collaborated closely with local shipyards and technology suppliers to ensure everything proceeds as planned. This will be a pioneering project that demonstrates how existing ferries can be converted into emission-free solutions.
“Enova exists to accelerate the necessary transition we are in. This will make it cheaper and easier to adopt new technologies that ensure green shipping becomes the new normal. Because the transition is already happening: vessels are achieving ever greater range,” stated Andreas Forsnes Jahn, interim head of Shipping at Enova.
