Case Study: Lavik-Oppedal Autonomous Ferry Connection

8.1 Route characteristics and service requirements

The Lavik-Oppedal route is part of the E39 national road across the Sognefjord. MF Ampere currently serves the route, carrying up to 360 passengers and 120 cars, with a crossing time of about 20 minutes. Fjord1 and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration have agreed a contract for operation from 2026 to 2034.

8.2 Technical concept for the new ferries

• Vessels and design: Four newbuild, zero-emission Ro-Pax ferries designed by HAV Design with digital twin tools at HAV Ocean Lab for simulation and optimisation.
• Electric propulsion and charging: NES acts as system integrator, delivering battery-electric propulsion, energy management, and automation systems to the four ferries, plus two shore-based charging stations at Lavik and Oppedal.
• Autonomy and automation: HAV Group's smart control systems business develops systems for automation and autonomous navigation. Implementation is phased: basic operation from 2026, auto-crossing and auto-docking in 2027, higher-level autonomous navigation in 2028.

8.3 Control centre in Florø

Fjord1 is establishing a new control centre at its headquarters in Florø. The centre will provide continuous monitoring of the autonomous operation of the four ferries when service starts in September 2026. Conceptually, this centre will resemble a specialised version of the Massterly ROC but focused on:

• High-frequency, short-distance Ro-Pax ferries on a fixed route
• Tight integration between RCC, on-board crew, and shore charging infrastructure
• A phased progression of autonomy levels