Norwegian Electric Systems wins five-vessel hybrid system contact

Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has announced that it will supply its Odin’s Eye DC grid system technology to five ferries being built for operator Fjord1. Exceeding the US$63m mark, the contract is the largest in the company’s history. “We have managed to keep the optimism in a difficult market and continued developing existing as well as new products,’ said NES CEO Tor Leif Mongstad. “NES’s extra focus on new markets has resulted in the highest order reserve in NES history, which proves that it has been a success.” The 11m-long ferries, which will be able to carry 120 cars each, will be built at Havyard Ship Technology. Three of the vessels will operate between Hareid-Sulesund and the other two between Magerholm-Sykkylven. All equipment on board is prepared for battery use but ready with full diesel operation should the battery fail. Additionally, NES has signed another contract for the delivery of the hybrid propulsion system to Fjord1’s new ferry, the Fjellstrand, designed ZeroCat 120. The aluminium catamaran will operate all-electric between Halhjem-Våge and includes Odin’s Eye DC grid solution adapted for this distance. NES has signed contracts for nine Fjord ferries in 2017.