In 2015, the launch of MF Ampere marked a transformative moment in maritime history as the world’s first fully electric car ferry. Over the past decade, this groundbreaking vessel has not only revolutionized passenger transport, but also inspired a wave of electrification.
Since its first journey across Norway’s Sognefjord, MF Ampere has sailed the equivalent of 17 times around the Earth on battery power alone, proving the reliability and efficiency of electric propulsion. By replacing diesel with batteries, the vessel cuts CO₂ emissions by approximately 2,700 tonnes annually, contributing significantly to reducing maritime emissions.
A Catalyst for Change
The success of MF Ampere has sparked a rapid shift towards zero-emission solutions in Norway and globally. Today, 102 electric ferries and passenger boats operate across 67 routes in Norway, a direct result of MF Ampere’s influence. The vessel’s success accelerated technological advancements in battery systems, charging infrastructure, and ship design, paving the way for the next generation of clean ferries.
Ada Martine Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech, emphasizes the significance of MF Ampere for the electric ferry revolution we have witnessed: “MF Ampere is proof that the combination of technology collaboration and policy can drive real change—shaping the future of zero-emission shipping. Today is a milestone for the ongoing transition to emission-free operations.”
Bold Decisions with Game-Changing Results
It all started with the Ampere and a bold decision by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration: to require sustainable technology onboard the new build ferry destined to transport passengers and vehicles across the Sognefjord. Ferry operator Norled began exploring electric alternatives and initiated a collaboration with Fjellstrand Shipyard to find the best solution. Norled went on to win the ferry tender based on the cutting-edge design of the Ampere.
“When Fjellstrand Shipyard first started looking at electric ferries back in 2010, we knew that a fully electric ferry would be a challenge on this route due to the distance and power demands. However, when the tender came out, and Norled wanted to make this ferry all-electric, we revisited the idea and found solutions that we thought could work. By leveraging existing, proven vessel designs from previous projects and using our expertise in lightweight and optimized energy designs, we managed to create a vessel that is not only efficient but also fully aligned with the future of sustainable transport,” said Edmund Tolo, R&D and Sales Manager at Fjellstrand.
He added: “We faced a series of challenges, as nobody had done this previously. We had no idea about the actual lifetime of the batteries, and we did not have the needed rules and regulations. However, by collaborating closely with Siemens as integrator, battery supplier Corvus Energy, the shipowner Norled, as well as the Norwegian Maritime Authorities and DNV, we managed to make this a success.”
For Norled, the MF Ampere was the start of environmentally friendly operations. “Our experience with this vessel shows that it pays off to invest in electric ferry operations, both for the environment and for society by creating new jobs in the maritime industry and because electric operation is cheaper than diesel in the long term,” said Heidi Wolden, CEO of Norled. “Ampere earlier accounted for 4 % of our fleet with zero emissions, but we now have close to 50 % of our fleet with low to zero emissions. Going forward, we will work on getting more vessels to low and zero emissions.”
Significant emissions and cost savings
Compared to a traditional fossil-fueled ferry, the operational cost per crossing has been reduced by an impressive 85 % to 90 %, generating total savings of nearly USD 15 million. Using electric power, in real terms the cost per crossing is comparable to the cost of a waffle and a cup of coffee.
“Since 2015, the Ampere has crossed the Sognefjord more than 124,000 times, proving that electric vessels are both economical and sustainable,” said Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy. “The demonstrated cost and emissions savings paved the way for the electrification of another 80-90 ferries in Norway. It has also accelerated technology development, enabling lightweight and more energy-dense systems. To compare, the MF Ampere has 1 MWh of our first-generation batteries installed, but our largest system to date, which will power the Incat ferry in South America, will have almost 42 MWh of our lightweight Dolphin batteries onboard. But without the MF Ampere as our pilot project, we wouldn’t be where we are today in marine electrification.”
‘The ripple effect’
The MF Ampere serves as a beacon of what can be achieved when innovation, sustainability and cost-effectiveness come together. The ferry’s success has not only demonstrated the practicality of electric ferries in Norway but has also accelerated the adoption of similar technology in coastal cities and island communities worldwide. The ripple effect of Ampere’s groundbreaking journey continues to inspire sustainability-focused initiatives in the maritime sector and beyond.
With the recent installation of additional batteries to prolong the vessel’s lifetime, the MF Ampere will continue to sail until the next groundbreaking innovation is in place: Four autonomous ferries are set to operate the route from 2026.
Congratulations to our partners and all others involved!