Norwegian ferry electrification project bring Nereida Energy its first battery system contract

MF Hjørungvåg and MF Jotunheim will be electrified to meet new zero-emission requirements for operations in the Geirangerfjord. [Photo credit Vestlandse AS]

As ferry electrification projects pick up pace worldwide, Norwegian operator Vestlandske Traffikk is to convert two ferries to electric propulsion for operation in the Geirangerfjord, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site where strict emissions for zero-emissions come into effect next year. That has brought Norwegian battery system supplier Nereida Energy AS its first order since it was formed after a management buy-out of Yinson GreenTechnologies AS from Malaysia’s Yinson group.

Frydenbø Elmarin, which has been contracted to deliver the complete propulsion systems for the two ferries, has selected Nereida Energy to supply the batteries.

The delivery includes two advanced Nereida Energy LFP battery systems with a combined capacity of 17 MWh. One system, with a capacity of 12.7 MWh, will be installed on MF Hjørungavåg, while the other system, with a capacity of 4.4 MWh, will be installed on MF Jotunheim.

“This is a great day for Nereida Energy,” said the company’s CEO, Geir Bjørkeli. “Our first contract is not only a milestone for the company but also proof that our strategy of building trust, being transparent, and creating long-term relationships has significant value in the maritime market. We are proud to contribute to the electrification of the Geirangerfjord and look forward to delivering a project that sets a new standard for quality and sustainability.”

CCO Pål-Ove Husøy added: “We greatly appreciate the trust Frydenbø Elmarin and Vestlandske Trafikk have placed in us. This project gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and technology in one of the world’s most iconic maritime environments. We will honor this trust and deliver a project that both we and our customers can be proud of. This gives us important momentum in the market – now we are truly underway.” Geir Gustad, CEO of Frydenbø Elmarin, states:

“We are pleased to collaborate with Nereida Energy on this important project,” said Geir Gustad, CEO of Frydenbø Elmarin. “The electrification of ferries in the Geirangerfjord is a major step toward a more sustainable future for the Norwegian maritime sector. Nereida Energy has shown an impressive commitment to cooperation and delivery, and we look forward to realizing this together.”