Boreal Oslo Ferries

Five electric passenger vessels serving Inner Oslofjord islands

The Results

After three years of operation, Boreal Sjo AS has achieved nearly 100% electric operation throughout the year. The vessels charge in just 3 minutes during each turnaround, with each vessel carrying 1,012 kWh battery capacity.
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The system has exceeded performance expectations - the vessels consume less power than planned while receiving more energy transfer than anticipated. This efficiency demonstrates the success of the integrated design between SEAM's charging system and Multi Maritime's vessel design.
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Beyond operational efficiency, the transition to electric propulsion has significantly reduced noise pollution, resulting in a more comfortable travel experience for passengers and improved working conditions for the crew.

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5 060 kWh

Total Battery Capacity

5

Fully Electric Vessels

350

Passenger Capacity

"Good solutions that last."

- Boreal Sjo AS

The Project

Boreal operates five identical electric passenger vessels serving the islands in Inner Oslofjord. The project was developed in close collaboration between Boreal, Multi Maritime as ship designer, and SEAM for the electric propulsion and charging systems.
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SEAM came early into the project and contributed with design and development of the control and steering systems from A to Z. The vessels entered service in 2021-2022 as part of Norway's ambitious goal to achieve fully electrified public transport by 2028.
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Each vessel has capacity for 350 passengers and features universal design. A key challenge was the tight turnaround time to unload and load passengers while simultaneously charging the vessels.

"We came early into the project and contributed with design and development of the control and steering systems from A to Z, which is a success factor for achieving optimal results in such projects."

- Ragnar Langaker, Project Director, SEAM

The Charging Solution

SEAM developed a DC charging system with pantograph charging, integrated into the floating dock at Aker Brygge. This solution proved significantly faster than traditional charging tower systems.

Each vessel has 1,012 kWh battery capacity and charges in just 3 minutes. The pantograph connection takes only 10 seconds to connect and disconnect, making it ideal for the demanding schedule.

The system has exceeded expectations - the vessels consume less power than planned while receiving more energy transfer than anticipated, demonstrating the efficiency of the integrated design.

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Daily Operations

The solution works very well in daily operations, provided regular maintenance is performed. The electric propulsion system has proven reliable and efficient, with minimal diesel usage after the initial commissioning period.
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After early challenges with charging infrastructure were resolved in the first year, the vessels now operate with consistent performance and near-total electrification.

Maintenance Experience

The electric propulsion system requires regular but manageable maintenance. Generator maintenance intervals are extended due to minimal usage, with maintenance jobs triggered by either time intervals or operational hours.
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Since the generators are rarely used during daily operations, time-based maintenance requirements occur long before hour-based triggers, optimizing maintenance scheduling and reducing wear on diesel components.

The charging system communication between shore infrastructure and vessel has occasionally been sensitive to faults. However, once operational parameters are established and maintained, the system provides reliable charging support for daily operations.

Operational Experience

Technical Delivery

Project Details

Customer: Boreal Sjo AS

Route: Inner Oslofjord islands

Vessel Type: Electric passenger ferry

Vessels: 5 identical vessels

Capacity: 350 passengers per vessel

Delivery: 2021-2022

SEAM Delivery

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Electric propulsion system
Battery system (1,012 kWh per vessel)
DC charging system with pantograph
Charging infrastructure integrated in floating dock
3-minute fast charging capability
Control and steering systems
DNV Notation Battery (Power)

With four years of operational experience, Boreal's electric ferries demonstrate the durability and reliability of SEAM's electric propulsion solutions. The vessels continue to operate efficiently, proving that electric ferry operations are viable for long-term commercial service.

Four Years and Counting

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