The Oslofjord will be greener when Norway’s largest car-free boat service between Aker Brygge and Nesoddtangen is fully electrified. The fast charging technology used is the first of its kind in Norway.
In less than a year, the three vessels Kongen, Dronningen and Prinsen have been converted from running on liquefied natural gas to electricity, so that all departures will now be emission-free. The electricity comes from a new electric charging station with a capacity equivalent to that of a medium-sized Norwegian municipality.
– Norled has been a driving force in the use of green technology in this project. Our operator of the Nesoddsambandet, together with several good partners, has proven that there is both the will and expertise to succeed in creating innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. Passengers will enjoy an even quieter, emission-free and more comfortable journey across the fjord with only electric boats,” says Bernt Reitan Jenssen, CEO of Ruter.
– “The Nesodd boats have become a green showcase for the maritime sector in Norway. The vessels show the way for public transport in Oslo and Viken, which will be emission-free by 2028,” says Heidi Wolden, CEO of Norled.
Groundbreaking technology
Converting well-functioning and well-known boats to electric operation rather than buying new boats has made it possible to electrify much faster and at a much lower cost.
Boat transport is a key part of public transport in the capital region and accounts for around ten percent of environmental emissions. Electrification of the Nesodd boats has been given high priority, as it makes a decisive contribution to reducing total emissions from boats by cutting bothCO2 and NOx emissions.
Zero emission city
– It’s awesome that all Nesodd boats are now electric! This is fantastic news, not only for the 2.8 million passengers who travel every year, but for the whole of Oslo and the goal of becoming a zero-emission city. Here we get a cleaner, quieter and better city to live and travel in, while cutting emissions. We are now looking forward to the island boats also becoming electric next year,” says Arild Hermstad, City Councilor for Environment and Transport.
– This is an important part of Viken’s commitment to an emission-free ferry service on the Oslofjord. The three Nesodden boats have been electrified in a short time, making it easier to achieve the climate and sustainability goals in Viken. Passengers traveling to and from Nesodden now have an everyday transport option that is good for both people and the environment,” says Kristoffer Robin Haug, county councillor for public transport in Viken County Council.
Battery pack equivalent to 20 Tesla’s
The powerful charging technology means that the Nesodden boats can charge their batteries in less than ten minutes when the vessels are docked at Aker Brygge. The extensive conversion of the three boats over the past year has taken place at Horten Skipsreparasjoner (HSR). The conversion of Kongen was carried out in the summer of 2019, Dronningen was rebuilt in the fall of 2019, while Prinsen was rebuilt in the first quarter of 2020. The conversion involves extensive dismantling and removal of the gas system, gas tank and all gas equipment on board the boats. The battery pack weighs 26 tons and is equivalent to the batteries found in 20 Tesla’s.
– A piece of industrial history has been written in this project, right in front of Oslo City Hall. Architect Magne Wiggen has been solution-oriented, and together with the City Heritage Board and Elvia, they have come up with innovative solutions. Here, a new and invisible transformer station has been built into a listed shed on the quay, which can supply power to all of Ruter’s boat transportation. “In this way, we are constantly developing new climate solutions,” says Reitan Jenssen.
Facts about Nesoddbåtene:
- Nesoddsambandet serves the section Aker brygge – Nesoddtangen.
- Nesoddbåtene had 2.8 million journeys, out of a total of 4.4 million journeys with Ruter’s boat services in 2019.
- Norled is the operator and sails on contract for Ruter.
- The contract was amended in 2019 to include electrification of the three boats Kongen, Dronningen and Prinsen and runs until 2036.
- The boats are plug-in hybrids, with biodiesel generators available as a backup solution.
Facts about charging systems:
- The substation at Aker Brygge has been prepared for a total of 8 MVA, divided into two substations.
- The Nesodd boats have access to one substation, with 2×2 MVA.
- The island boats and possibly the express boats will have access to the second substation.
- The Nesodd boats fast charge from a charging plug, with 2×1900 KW.
- Sporveien has been the responsible developer.
For more information:Ruter: Communications Manager, Gro Janborg: 46409349, gro.janborg@ruter.no
Norled: Communications Manager, Krishan Totland: 95445805, totland@norpr.no
