New Era in Public Transport: Norway Sets Standards with Next-Generation Electric Passenger Ferry

Fredrikstad (Norway) – A pilot project in the Norwegian city of Fredrikstad is providing the first extensive real-world data on a new generation of fully electric passenger ferries. The F-15 Shuttle by technology company Hyke was operated for 14 months in regular public transport service and is considered one of the first systems of its kind to be consistently designed and tested for urban scheduled public transport services.

At the core is a completely new ferry concept that differs significantly from conventional diesel-powered vessels: lightweight construction, electric propulsion, and an energy management system optimized for short, high-frequency routes. The goal is to enable waterways to function as a fully integrated part of urban public transport, with significantly lower infrastructure costs compared to bridge or tunnel projects.

Lightweight Design Meets Electric Mobility on Water

The Hyke F-15 Shuttle was specifically designed for short inner-city routes. With a capacity of 50 passengers, a weight of around 12 tons, and a battery capacity of 188 kWh, the vessel is significantly lighter than conventional ferries. This lightweight construction is a key innovation factor, as it substantially reduces operational energy consumption.

During pilot operations on the 225-meter route between Bekkhus and Vaterland, the project report recorded up to an 88 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to diesel reference systems. Consumption is estimated at around 10 to 12 kWh per hour - comparable to the electricity usage of a few household appliances running for one hour.

New System Logic for Urban Waterway Mobility

The innovation goes beyond propulsion alone: the F-15 Shuttle is designed as part of an integrated urban transport system and was directly incorporated into regular public transit operations during the pilot phase. This allowed large-scale testing of how electric ferries can be integrated into scheduled public transport networks.

The results show high operational stability in continuous service, including winter conditions, as well as strong passenger acceptance with an average rating of 4.72 out of 5.

Energy Efficiency as an Infrastructure Alternative

A key aspect of the project is the use of existing waterways as “natural transport corridors.” This could allow cities to create new connections without relying on expensive fixed infrastructure such as bridges or tunnels. The ferry is therefore not only seen as a mode of transport but also as a potential infrastructure alternative.

According to the city of Fredrikstad, the concept enables faster deployment of new mobility corridors while significantly reducing capital investment requirements.

Insights for the Next Generation of Electric Ferries

Beyond technical performance, the pilot project also provided fundamental insights into the further development of electric maritime transport systems. These include experience with charging infrastructure, energy management in scheduled operations, and integration into existing transport networks.

For Hyke, the F-15 Shuttle represents a prototype of a scalable platform that can be further developed for various urban and regional applications in the future.

The project’s final report was published in April 2026 and marks an important reference point for the development of electric passenger ferry transport systems as part of sustainable urban mobility in Europe.

Source: IWR Online, 30 Apr 2026