With nearly 2,000 kWh of battery capacity and space for 60 cars and 195 people, the new 77-meter electric ferry is already in service in northern waters.
13/11/2026 11:00
Updated to
13/11/2026 11:00
The electrification of maritime transport continues to advance in Norway, one of the countries most committed to replacing fossil fuels in its transportation. The shipping company Torghatten Nord has recently received the Misterøy, a new electric ferry nearly 77 meters long that can carry up to 60 cars and 195 passengers simultaneously. To achieve this, it features a battery with a capacity of 1,960 kWh, a figure equivalent to that of approximately 33 electric cars equipped with 60 kWh batteries.
The ship was built by the Turkish shipyard Özata Shipyard and is intended to provide a connection between Festvåg and Misten, north of the Norwegian city of Bodø. Its addition is part of a fleet renewal project that includes two more similar ferries in the coming years.
A 1,960 kWh battery and two independent propulsion systems
The Misterøy is exactly 76.85 meters long and features a structure designed to transport vehicles and passengers. Its maximum capacity is 60 cars and 195 passengers, plus seven crew members. Its main technical feature is a battery supplied by Akasol, with a total capacity of 1,960 kWh. According to the shipping company, the system can be expanded if necessary. The energy powers two independent propulsion systems located at the ends of the ship, which use electric motors from the German manufacturer Schottel.
Although it is designed to operate primarily on electricity, it also includes two Volvo Penta D16 diesel generators as a backup. This allows it to function in three different ways: using only the batteries, through a hybrid system that combines electricity and generators, or in diesel-electric mode. The presence of these generators does not mean the ship needs to use them during its regular trips. Torghatten Nord intends for the Misterøy to cover its route using only electricity, with the diesel engines providing an alternative when necessary.
Automated recharging and two more electric ferries on the way
To facilitate its daily operations, the Festvåg port will feature an automated recharging system using towers supplied by Zinus. This infrastructure will allow energy to be replenished during stops, reducing the need to rely on conventional generators.
The Misterøy is the first of 3 electric ferries ordered from the Özata shipyard. The other two will be named Fløytind and Møysalen, and they will share the main features of the first vessel. According to the known plans, the third unit is expected to be delivered in August 2028. The ferry company secured a contract in May 2024 to operate the route between Festvåg and Misten for 10 years, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. The gradual introduction of these new electric ferries will enable the modernization of the service connecting Bodø to the Kjerringøy peninsula.
The project also demonstrates the possibilities of electrifying short-sea shipping. With nearly 2 MWh of energy capacity, space for 60 vehicles, and a dedicated charging system at the port, the Misterøy is ready to replace much of the conventional fuel consumption on regular routes. However, the company has not yet provided specific figures regarding range, fuel consumption per trip, or the time required to fully charge its batteries.