Electric propulsion: From “Beffen” to world leading Corvus

Today, Vestland stands poised to capitalise on that legacy, converting it into industrial strength, global export ambition and climate-smart infrastructure. An example is Corvus Energy, who since 2009 has been pioneers in their field with the highest number of installations worldwide and has been leading the way in how battery technology is used on board ships to reduce emissions.

Corvus Energy is currently supplying Corvus Orca ESS in four new, fully electric capable passenger car ferries BC Ferries. BC Ferries aims to be among the most sustainable large-scale ferry operators in the world and has been an early adopter of clean technology. Photo: BC Ferries.

Global supplier – based in Bergen

Corvus Energy is the leading supplier of energy storage systems (ESS) for maritime, offshore and port applications. Corvus Energy offers a full portfolio of energy storage and fuel cell systems, suitable for almost every vessel type, providing power systems in the form of modular lithium-ion battery systems and Hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems.

However, the Norwegian ferry electrification started with the landmark roll-out of MF Ampere in 2015 and has grown to an important value chain with huge opportunities. But dig a little deeper, and the electric ferry transport actually roots back to the 19th century; by the little, but pioneering harbour ferry known nicknamed as “Beffen”.

Planted a seed

In 1894, an engineer named Jacob Trumpy founded A/S Bergens Elektriske Færgeselskab (Bergen Electric Ferry Company) to link the east and west sides of the harbour in Bergen, across “Vågen”. The name itself, “Bergen Electric Ferry Company”, betrays the ambition. 

From its founding on 15 May 1894, the company operated with the foresight of electric propulsion in mind.  Over time however the ferry fleet moved to gasoline, then diesel power as technology and economics evolved. 

Though seemingly modest, just a harbour crossing ferry, Beffen’s legacy is important because it established the idea of electric propulsion in maritime public transport in the region. That early experiment planted a seed which would flourish much later.

A paradigm shifts with ripple effects

Fast-forward to 16 February 2015: the world’s first fully electric car  and assenger ferry, MF Ampere, began service on the Lavik–Oppedal route in Vestland.  Built in 2014 by Fjellstrand Shipyard in Omastrand, Vestland, the 80.8 m long vessel carried 120 cars and 350 passengers, powered entirely by large-scale battery systems. 

The impact was dramatic: enormous fuel savings, emissions reductions and a paradigm shift in what ferry transport could be. 

Strong policy alignment, financial incentives and strategic use of purchasing power is an important foundation for the ferry revolution. Today, your ferry travels in Vestland are electric. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.

This success triggered a ripple effect: the national target is an emission-free ferry fleet by 2030, and Vestland has moved quickly to position itself at the forefront of this green maritime transition.

Vestland has emerged as the region in the world with the greatest number of electric ferries in proportion — boasting a steep decline in CO₂ emissions from the ferry fleet: roughly 67,600 tonnes in 2019 down to an estimated 20,100 tonnes in 2022 — a reduction of about 70 %. 

The journey from modest harbour ferry beginnings to cutting-edge electric fleet is a testament to decades of incremental innovation, infrastructure investment and industrial ecosystem build-out. : Shipyards, battery suppliers, power infrastructure firms have co-located and grown in Vestland, supporting this transition.

First mover advantage

Vestland’s maritime industry is no longer simply a follower, but a leader in electric-ferry technology. The region now hosts the supply-chain, expertise and infrastructure — presenting opportunities in manufacturing, battery systems, charging statons, retrofits and services.

Norway also have government backing, with clear national targets for all ferries emission-free by 2030. What started as harbour crossings now scales to car ferries, and the Vestland model is already attracting international attention. Innovations in battery propulsion, shore-charging, and low-emission marine operations here can export globally.

A good example is the company Corvus Energy, headquartered in Bergen. They have delivered 1300 marine battery solutions, cutting more than 11 million tons of CO₂. This is equivalent to 25 % of the marine emissions in Norway.  

MF Ampere is the world’s first fully electric car and passenger ferry. She began service on the Lavik–Oppedal route in Vestland, and is still running. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem. 

Investment opportunities in Vestland’s electric-ferry ecosystem

Vestland has established itself as a living laboratory for green maritime technology — and is now scaling from pilot projects to a full industrial cluster. Below are the key investment areas emerging from this transformation.

Battery manufacturing and energy storage

• Corvus Energy in Bergen already supplies many of Norway’s electric and hybrid ferries.
• Demand for large-scale maritime battery packs (especially high-cycle, high-density systems) is growing rapidly.

• Expansion into next-generation solid-state and circular battery systems is expected.

Charging infrastructure and smart energy systems

• Fast-charging stations along fjords and ports are critical to electrification.

• Demand for intelligent energy management, load-balancing and renewable integration systems is accelerating and for grid storage systems, charging robotics, and AI-based optimisation platforms.

Shipbuilding, retrofitting and component supply

• The shipyards in Vestland, like Fjellstrand, Brødrene Aa, Fitjar Mekaniske, are leaders in lightweight hulls and battery integration.

• Dozens of existing ferries need hybrid or full-electric conversion by 2030. There will be a demand for partnerships for hybrid conversions and tooling, modular systems, and supply-chain investment for composite and aluminium structures.

Digital maritime services and autonomy

• Vestland hosts autonomous ferry pilots in collaboration with NTNU, SINTEF and Fjord1.

• There is a demand for software, sensor fusion, and fleet-management platforms, and data analytics and predictive maintenance systems.

Research and innovation:

• Vestland has a unique triple-helix ecosystem linking academia, industry and public sector.
• R&D centres and testbeds in Bergen and Stord
• Funding available from Enova, Innovation Norway, and EU Horizon programmes.

Tourism

• Visit Bergen and Fjord Norway works broadly to develop sustainable experiences within Eco-tourism concepts, green mobility services, and heritage vessel restoration
• Electric sightseeing ferries and carbon-neutral tourism services fit within Vestland’s strong brand identity.