Norwegian ferry operator Norled has contracted HAV Group company Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to deliver three onshore charging stations that will be installed at three ports in Northern Norway.
The three charging stations will be installed at the North Norwegian ports of Stokkvågen, Lovund and Træna. Norled will operate the Stokkvågen-Lovund and Stokkvågen-Træna ferry routes with three newbuild battery-hybrid ferries and one conventional ferry from 2027 onwards.
Norled CTO Steffan Lindsø said: “We look forward to the delivery of the charging stations from NES, which is essential for operating the hybrid-electric ferries which will cut emissions with up to 80%.”
Under the contract, NES will supply three complete containerised onshore charging stations, including transformers, switchboards, control system and data collection system, plus the charging plug that connects the charging stations to the vessels. NES will deliver a ready-made e-house with connection to the onshore power grid.
The 4MW DC charging stations are based on a Megawatt Charging System (MCS), including a proprietary charging connector type that is normally used for large electric vehicles such as trucks and buses. The MSC solution includes water cooling of power, electronics, cables and sockets. The charging stations will be delivered towards the end of 2026.
Mads Ulstein, NES SVP Sales, said: “With the delivery of these three charging stations, we will have built up a solid track record of 30 onshore charging stations. We are very pleased that Norled has opted for our MCS solution, which is a manual, quick and cost-efficient method for connecting high charging effects. Quick charging is ideal for passenger and transport ferries such as these.”
The four newbuild ferries will be constructed at Norwegian shipyard Tersan Leirvik. In May last year, NES was awarded a NOK 200m contract by Tersan Leirvik to provide equipment deliveries to the ferries, including power solution, battery pack and navigation system.
NES MD Siv Remøy-Vangen said: “To be able to support Tersan Leirvik and Norled, respectively, on this project is something we are proud of. Substantial equipment delivered to the four ferries coupled with onshore charging stations underline our position as a complete supplier of electrification solutions to the maritime industry.”
Image: NES MCS charging system (source: HAV Group)
