Norway’s Fjord1 has returned to Tersan Shipyard to build two electric ferries as part of its decarbonisation efforts.
In a brief statement, the Turkish shipbuilder said the pair will be designed to comprise battery propulsion that can be quickly charged during the disembarkation of passengers.
The ferries are also to be fitted with a diesel-electric back up system and can operate in fully electric mode, hybrid mode and diesel-electric mode.
Designed by Norway-based HAV Design, they have an overall length of 84 metres and a width of 16.3 metres.
The vessels will be able to carry 248 passengers and crew members, as well as 80 cars and six trailers.
Following their deliveries in the second quarter of 2023, the ferries will be operating on the Stranda-Liabygda and Eidsdal-Linge routes.
In 2020, Fjord1 completed its massive newbuilding programme of 25 electric ferries in a bid to combat climate change and meet new environmental regulations.
Tersan constructed six of those vessels. Aside from the latest newbuilding order, the yard is due to deliver a 3,650-gt ropax to Fjord1 later this year.
As of the end of 2020, hybrid‐electric ferries accounted for about 40% of Fjord1’s ferry portfolio.
Despite a lasting impact from the Covid-19 pandemic on its sales, the Oslo-listed company reported NOK 7.7m ($932,000) in net profit in the first quarter of this year due to cost-control measures.
This compared with a NOK 27.1m loss in the same period of last year.
Revenue fell 8% to NOK 691m due to the phasing out of one ferry contract and lower revenue in the catering segment.
The number of passengers fell by 9% to 2.9m between January and March, while the number of vehicles transported dropped by 10% to 1.7m.
“Fjord1 is confident that there will continue to be a strong demand for safe, environmentally friendly and reliable transport in coastal regions in the future,” the organisation said in a quarterly report.
“The company expects more moderate revenue growth in 2021, with cost improvements continuing to support operating margins.”
