Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 has placed an order in excess of US$117m for the construction of five new diesel-electric ferries at Havyard Ship Technologys shipyard in Leirvik i Sogn. The ferries, which will be delivered in 2018 and 2019, are planned for battery operation; however, there is a diesel-powered backup in the event of lengthy power blackouts. Havyard Design & Solutions will deliver design and engineering, and Havyard Ship Technology will construct the ferries; the companys Power & Systems branch will deliver the hybrid propulsion system, bridge solutions and automation, battery system, charging station and electric system. Havyard has the complete package that will cater for secure and optimal operations of ferries in connection to efficient propulsion, charging, manoeuvring and navigation, said Tor Leif Mongstad, executive vice president, Havyard Power & Systems. Three of these ferries will operate on the Hareid-Sulesund route and two on the Magerholm-Sykkylven route, both crossings in the county of Møre and Romsdal in western Norway. The ferries will be 111m long, with a hold capacity of 120 cars each.
