Norway’s electrical company Norwegian Electric Systems (NEC) has signed a contract with compatriot shipbuilder Havyard Ship Technology for the delivery of hybrid electric systems for three new ferries ordered by transport conglomerate Fjord1.

In December 2016, Fjord 1 and Havyard inked a contract for the construction of the three electrical ferries.

The first vessel is slated for delivery in May 2018 and the remaining two towards the end of 2018.

Designed by Multi Maritime in Førde, the newbuildings will have a capacity for 50 cars and 199 passengers.

Two of the ships will operate on the Brekstad - Valset route and one ferry on the Sandvikvåg - Husavik route.

The Norwegian Road Authorities’ strict requirement for emission for these two ferry routes have resulted in an electrical propulsion system using chargeable Lithium Ion batteries, NEC said.

NEC has developed a DC system which is expected to ensure “safe charging and discharging of the batteries.” The system also includes a solution which allows for future upgrades of the vessels, such as larger battery capacity and/or higher charging power from shore, according to the company.