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Will move commuter traffic from E18 to electric express boats

Norled, Slemmestad Brygge and Brødrene Aa want to move passenger traffic from the E18 to the sea by developing a new transport system consisting of electric express boats running from areas around the Oslo Fjord and in and out of central Oslo.

The new transport solution will have a very positive environmental effect. PILOT-E is supporting the project in the first phase with NOK 30 million.

The existing and largely congested road network (E-18, Slemmestadveien and Røykenveien) will be relieved by switching a significant proportion of the commuter traffic to and from Oslo to emission-free express boats.

The three partners are now joining forces to develop a concept for a comprehensive transportation system that will be operated by electric and energy-efficient express boats. The express boats will be able to transport around 1,250,000 people annually. The project will also develop new innovative infrastructure related to electric charging, docks, public facilities and easy transition to buses, bicycles and cars.

“If we manage to get commuters to choose a express boat instead of driving, it will relieve the road network in the region, reduce noise and accidents, cutCO2 emissions and provide better accessibility for buses and commercial traffic,” says project manager Karolina Adolfsson at Norled.

The environmental impact of the project will be significant. A service consisting of electric boats with an annual capacity of 1,250,000 passengers results in aCO2 reduction of 1,877 tons per year compared to diesel-powered express boats, and a reduction of 4,628 tons per year if the alternative is a private car.

“A main part of the project is linked to the development of solutions for energy-efficient vessels that result in reduced costs, energy savings and weight savings on the vessel. Research will be carried out on new vessel concepts and models with low weight in order to develop vessels that can maintain good speed and have space for batteries,” says Adolfsson.

The project will start in spring 2021 and will be completed in 2024. The project receives support through Pilot-E, which is a joint call for proposals between the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and Enova. NOK 17 million has been allocated to Norled and Slemmestad Brygge, and NOK 13 million to Brødrene Aa for the development of the innovative solutions in the project.

“The Norwegian maritime industry is at the forefront when it comes to developing innovative, emission-free solutions with great scaling potential. This project will make an important contribution to realizing emission-free express boats,” says Trond Moengen, program secretary for PILOT-E.

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