Electrification will reduce emissions from operations by roughly 2,600 tonnes of CO2 annually, making it possible to further develop fjord services without increasing pressure on the natural environment. The company has also entered into a long-term collaboration with Norway’s Best, one of Norway’s largest tourism operators, which will handle sales and marketing.

“The goal is to deliver a tourism product that safeguards the environment, the guests, and the long-term interests of the area,” says Øystein Meek, managing director of Vestlandske.

“Zero-emission operation and increased capacity provide more efficient operations and an improved overall experience on board. This is important for the tourism industry, but also for the area as a whole.”

The ferries are being fitted with battery packs totalling 17 MWh, providing sufficient capacity for normal operations in an area with limited power supply. With support from Enova, the aim is for 1978-built JOTUNHEIM and the 1990-built HJØRUNGAVÅG to be ready for zero-emission operation from the start of the 2026 season.

© Shippax