Ampere - the little brave ferry that revolutionized the maritime industry

The wise rulers of the kingdom, The County Council, decided something had to be done.

- We must find a way to protect our land and waters, they declared.

- But we need a bold and magical solution.

And then they summoned all the brilliant inventors, craftsmen, and dreamers around Vestland and presented their decree: Can anyone create something no one had ever seen before: car ferry so robust it could carry both cars and people in the rough water off Vestland, that would run entirely on electricity.

But not everyone believed in the little ferry.

- It's too risky, some whispered. – What if it can't carry passengers?

- It’s too expensive, others murmured. - What if we manage to produce such a ferry, but no one wants to buy it?

Still, the rulers had faith. They waved their hands and decreed:

- Let it be built, for if we don't try, we will never know what wonders are possible. And to do our share, we will guarantee that only those who can produce an electrical ferry will get the contract to carry out the crossing.   

The success of Ampere has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a single pilot project quickly inspired national and international action. Today, nearly 90% of Norway’s ferry fleet is fully electric or hybrid, with Vestland County leading the way. This shift has dramatically reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector and solidified Norway’s position as a pioneer in green innovation.  

The green maritime wizards of Vestland worked day and night. None of them could succeed alone, so they all had to put both the heads and hands together. Also on land, they needed to work. On both sides of the crossing, they installed 410 kWh batteries that could charge the ferry with 1 MW in only nine minutes.

And so – after a long time with sweat, swears and tears, the maritime ecosystem managed to craft a ferry with lightweight materials and enchanting it with powerful batteries.

They named the ferry “Ampere”, after the magic spark that would power it silently and cleanly across the fjords.  When Ampere was finally ready, it shimmered like hope itself, gliding across the water with not a whisper of smoke.  She proudly being appointed “Ship of the Year”.

The day Ampere did its first crossing in the marvellous Sognefjorden, something magical happened. People marvelled at how quiet and clean it was. Passengers smiled as they crossed the fjords, knowing they were helping the environment to stay green and beautiful. Word spread far and wide of the brave little ferry that defied the odds.  

Soon, other regions and countries around the world took notice.

- If Vestland can do it, they said, why can't we?

And one by one, ferries across Norway transformed into quiet, clean vessels. Vestland had shown them the way, and Ampere was a legend.  

A decade passed. Now almost every ferry in the land ran on magic sparks, and other countries followed suit. The air was cleaner, the waters clearer, and the people prouder than ever of their green and thriving home.  

In the bustling shipyards, the wizards and dreamers continued to innovate, building ships – now also powered by hydrogen and other marvels. And as for “Ampere”, it sailed on, a symbol of courage and change, teaching the world that even the boldest dreams can come true.  

The brave little ferry reminds us all: with courage, teamwork, and a little bit of magic, we can create a brighter, greener future. And in Vestland, the tale of Ampere lives on, inspiring generations to sail toward a better tomorrow.  

And so, they lived sustainably ever after.

The end.

Vestland’s green maritime ecosystem  

Back then in 2015, Ampere was a daring experiment. The County Council showed remarkable foresight and courage in commissioning an all-electric ferry when the technology was still in its infancy. Scepticism loomed over whether the maritime industry could meet such an ambitious challenge, but the region's green maritime sector rose to the occasion. Today, 102 electric ferries and passenger boats operate across 67 routes in Norway, a direct result of MF Ampere’s influence.

Also globally, Ampere has become a blueprint for sustainable ferry solutions. Maritime operators and policymakers from around the world continue to look to Vestland for inspiration, proof of what collaboration between public authorities and innovative industries can achieve.  

Vestland’s success is rooted in its thriving green maritime cluster, which remains at the forefront of technology development. From battery systems and energy management to advanced ship design, the region’s ecosystem continues to push boundaries. Companies have embraced the shift toward electrification and hydrogen solutions, ensuring that Vestland remains a global hub for sustainable maritime innovation.  

Ten years after Ampere, the green maritime industry in Vestland shows no signs of slowing down. With continued support from visionary public authorities like Vestland County Council and an industry ready to innovate, the region is set to tackle the next challenges in decarbonizing global shipping.  

Companies in Vestland demonstrated their innovative spirit and technological prowess, designing and delivering a groundbreaking vessel that surpassed expectations. Constructed by Fjellstrand shipyard, powered by battery technology from Siemens, and operated by Norled, Ampere proved that zero-emission ferries were not only viable but also commercially attractive.