Norled AS is nominated as the winner of a contract for operation of local express boats in the municipalities of Kinn, Bremanger, Stad, Vik, Høyanger, Sogndal and Lærdal in Norway from 2024 to 2036.
The contract has strict requirements related to a CO2 reduction of at least 52 percent. Norled wants to introduce a brand new charging technology that will enable major emission cuts on the express boat connections.
“This is fantastic news for Norled. We look forward to further collaboration with Skyss to deliver good and sustainable travel experiences in Sogn og Fjordane, “says Heidi Wolden, CEO of Norled.
Norled has a long tradition of investing in new technology and sustainable solutions. In 2015, the company introduced the world’s first electric ferry, and we are now introducing the world’s first ferry running on liquid hydrogen. Both solutions significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
«We are very pleased the local ATP, Skyss, og Sogn og Fjordane county municipality invests so strongly in environmentally friendly express boats. This could be the start of a major electrification of the Norwegian express boat fleet,” says Heidi Wolden.
The contract includes an option for Sogn og Fjordane county municipality to continue to choose fossil fuels for up to six of the first years. The case will be considered by the county committee in November.
«Norled hopes they will decide on the most environmentally friendly solution. Together with a number of partners, Norled has developed a completely new battery concept for express boats that will enable fast and efficient charging. We believe this will revolutionize the possibility of operating efficient electric operation of express boats, “says Wolden.
The start-up of the contract is no later than 1 May 2024, but the possibility of start-up from 1 November 2023.
For more information, visit Norled’s website.
