The company now faces all three vessels being formally cancelled by Norled due to unresolved speed issues and significant delays. Norled has opted for alternative solutions for its Trondheimsfjord routes, leaving Brødrene Aa with two partially completed vessels and one already on the market, all calculated as financial losses.

Despite the cancellations, Brødrene Aa anticipated this outcome and has been marketing the vessels for sale. A temporary agreement with Sparebank 1, Fjord 1, and Rødne has extended operations until 16 May, with a layoff notice still looming over 170 employees. The company’s fate relies heavily on supportive customers, creditors, and financial partners. Norled, meanwhile, will revert to diesel-powered vessels for its Trondheim routes, as the cancelled vessels were meant to use the SHIFTR battery-swapping system. While Norled remains committed to SHIFTR for other routes, such as Oslofjord, the Trondheim project failed due to delays and performance issues, not the battery system itself. Norled regrets the outcome but maintains a positive view of its past collaboration with Brødrene Aa.

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