22 Apr 2017

Ferry charges: Norway's electric fleet

From This Way Up, 12:35 pm on 22 April 2017

Cruising on New Zealand's interisland ferries could become more peaceful, pollution-free, and even cheaper.

That's because the Norwegian government is phasing out diesel powered ferries and introducing a fleet of eco-friendly, electric vessels as part of the country's extensive ferry network. 

Already the world's first fully electric passenger and car ferry, the MF Ampere, is operating between Lavik and Oppedal.

And the technology powering these ships is likely to be exported to international markets like New Zealand, with autonomous and remote-controlled boats also on the horizon.

Jorn Madslien has been reporting on the rise of the electric ferry for the BBC.

"Following two years of trials of the world's first electric car ferry, named Ampere, ferry operators are busy making the transition from diesel to comply with new government requirements for all new ferry licensees to deliver zero- or low-emission alternatives" - Jorn Madslien