Flag change – from the Turkish to the Norwegian. © Fjord1

The ferry is the first of four new battery-hybrid ferries that will serve the route. Construction of the remaining three vessels at Tersan Shipyard is ongoing, with deliveries scheduled throughout the winter and spring.

“This is an important day for the project and for everyone who has worked to complete the first ferry. The handover is the result of extensive cooperation between the shipyard, suppliers, classification societies, the authorities and our own project team. Many people have put a great deal of work into getting us here,” said Fjord1 CEO Geir Bruvik Mjelde.

The new ferries are battery-powered and equipped with technology that allows automated functions to be introduced gradually. Under the development contract with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, new solutions will be developed, tested and implemented step by step.

The aim is to gain practical experience and learn how automated functions can contribute to safe and efficient ferry operations. The vessels will be crewed, and safety will guide the entire development process.

Following the handover 12 November, SKAGASTØL will set sail from Türkiye for Norway. The voyage covers approximately 3,700 nautical miles, and progress will depend on weather and sea conditions along the way.

When the ferry arrives in Norway, the project will enter its next phase, which includes preparations, testing, training and the vessel’s introduction into service on the route.

“Much of the work now shifts from construction to preparing for operations. We will test the systems, gain practical experience and make sure the vessel, the technology and our organisation are ready for service. We will proceed carefully, step by step, with safety as our top priority,” said project manager Odd-Bjarte Johnsen.

Read also: Fjord1 to begin operations on busy E39 corridor without its four new ferries 

© Shippax