Norwegian ferry operator Norled wins coveted award for innovations driving industry decarbonization

Stavanger-headquartered Norled has been honored as The Maritime CleanTech Partner of the Year 2024, highlighting the company's pioneering role in setting new standards for innovations in the Norwegian maritime industry and sustainable maritime passenger transport worldwide.

The award underscores the critical importance of collaboration and bold thinking in advancing maritime decarbonization goals. As an industry front-runner, Norled has been prepared to shoulder significant risks in a new market, put investment in place and take concrete action to advance the maritime transition.

The company has succeeded in achieving significant milestones including the world’s first fully electric car ferry, the MS Ampere, which went into service in 2015, operating the world's first electric high-speed ferry in 2022, the MS Medstraum, and in 2023 introducing the MS Hydra, the world’s first zero-emission ferry powered by hydrogen and state-of-the-art battery technology.

These successes winning public contracts with advanced vessels set an example for traditional passenger transport companies globally, as many countries look to electrify their maritime transport infrastructure. They also demonstrate the real-world feasibility of green technologies on different inshore vessel types, as well as providing a blueprint for scaling solutions to larger tonnage operating internationally.

Vision for real change

“It's an honor to receive this award and the timing is perfect, particularly as we grow our focus on the express boat side. It fuels our determination to deliver low- and zero-emission solutions, proving that collaboration and innovation are the key to a zero-emission future," said Norled CEO Heidi Wolden.

"I extend my thanks to the jury, our partners within Maritime CleanTech, the authorities for their ambitious policies, Maritime CleanTech for their help coordinating funding, and of course all our dedicated employees. Together, we’re creating real change and paving the way for a cleaner maritime industry."

Revolutionary battery-swapping solution

Norled continues to push the envelope with its upcoming SHIFTR system, a state-of-the-art battery-swapping solution set to debut on the fully electric fast ferry MV Baronessen, which was recently delivered to public transport provider Ruter for operations in the Oslo Fjord. Developed in joint venture with maritime technology vendor SEAM and robotics company Aarbakke Innovation, SHIFTR exemplifies Norled's relentless pursuit of zero-emission solutions that benefit society at large.

"Norled took this challenge seriously and has come up with solutions to all the challenges we gave them. Together with our partners we are creating one of the first emission-free fjords in the world," said Ruter CEO Bernt Reitan.

Beyond the capital, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration is pivotal to the ongoing transition, with over 80 electric ferries currently in operation, with more to come as specified in contract tenders.

"We have high climate ambitions and demanding requirements in purchasing non-fossil solutions as part of Norway's transition to low- or zero-emission ships by 2030. Through synergistic public-private partnerships, Norled and other ferry operators continue to successfully deliver on these requirements together with suppliers," said agency Director, Ingrid Dahl Hovland.

Building green value chains

Maritime CleanTech CEO Ada Jakobsen emphasizes Norled’s influence both nationally and globally. "Norled’s experiences are helping to transform the entire sector, proving that bold ideas combined with expert execution can drive real change. Working closely with suppliers, they have actively built new green maritime value chains that will foster market adoption of new solutions at scale."

She adds that Norled is an excellent example of moving beyond industry debate over the lack of infrastructure for new fuels such as hydrogen, to taking concrete action.

The company joins the ranks of past Partner of the Year winners including battery giant Corvus Energy, shipping company Wilhelmsen Group, offshore services specialist Østensjø Rederi, ship design company LMG Marin and SEAM.

Open to sharing experience

Maritime CleanTech has a long tradition of collaborating with overseas partners and the majority of its members are export-oriented. "We welcome enquiries and visits from stakeholders around the world to come and see how sustainable solutions are being proven in reality along the Norwegian coast, carrying passengers on busy routes every day. Other countries embarking on electrification can, I hope, learn from our experience in reducing risk," Jakobsen concluded.