Two new zero-emission ferries for World Heritage fjords
Illustration of the two ferries on the Stranda-Liabygda route (Source: HAV Design AS)
Norwegian ferry operator, Fjord1, has signed a contract for two new zero-emission ferries, developed by HAV Design, to be built at Tersan Shipyard in Turkey. The two HAV 934 ferries, with capacity for 80 cars and 249 pasengers, will operate on two routes at the entrance to Geirangerfjord, a World Heritage site.
HAV Design has used route simulation and hull optimisation technologies at the HAV Ocean Lab to create a virtual model of the area and a digital twin of the two ferries. Using renewable energy, battery power and low energy consumption are key factors in their design.
HAV Design vice president, Sales, Lars Conradi Andersen, said: “It is particularly pleasing that our designs will now contribute to the ferry revolution in a World Heritage area whose nature requires extra protection. We know that these routes are popular with tourists during the summer season, and now visitors to the World Heritage area can cross the fjord and enjoy the scenery, undisturbed by noise and exhaust fumes.”
Andersen noted that many battery-powered HAV Design ferries have assisted Norway’s green transition, making the country’s ferry services more environmentally friendly. Its zero-emission designs have already made annual savings of 60,000 tonnes of carbon dixoide emissions, the company said.
