The Norwegian city of Fredrikstad has rated the pilot operation of the Hyke F-15 Shuttle electric ferry as successful after 14 months. From April 2024 to July 2025, the boat transported more than 41,000 passengers on the 225-metre route between Bekkhus and Vaterland. The average crossing took two minutes. The project shows how electric ferries can be used in urban transport.
Concept for short distances
The Hyke F-15 Shuttle is 15 metres long and 5.7 metres wide. It offers space for 50 passengers and weighs eleven tonnes. The hull is made of a special composite material that keeps the weight low. The ferry reaches a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h). At a speed of six knots, it consumes between ten and twelve kilowatt hours per hour. According to the manufacturer, this is roughly equivalent to the energy consumption of five hair dryers.
The boat is designed exclusively for sheltered waters. It is not suitable for fast journeys or the open sea. The developers have deliberately dispensed with large batteries. Instead, the ferry recharges automatically and wirelessly at each stop at the moorings. This concept enables the use of smaller batteries and reduces the overall weight.
Energy consumption of the Hyke F-15 in comparison
The manufacturer claims that the ferry consumes eight times less energy than comparable diesel ferries. There were no safety incidents during the pilot project. Passengers rated the service at 4.72 out of 5.00 points. All users surveyed stated that they would use the ferry again. According to Fredrikstad, the low operating costs and low energy consumption strengthen the economic viability of electric city ferries.
The ferry has solar panels on the roof, which provide additional energy. Depending on the version, the drive has an output of between 60 and 150 kilowatts. The battery capacity is between 95 and 285 kilowatt hours gross. The automatic charging system at the moorings enables continuous operation without long charging breaks.
All ferries will be equipped with autonomous navigation technology. Hyke is developing this itself. In future, the boats will also be able to sail without a captain. The technology is still under development. It is not yet clear when autonomous operation will be authorised.
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Funding through EU programme
The pilot project in Fredrikstad was part of the city's strategy for sustainable mobility. It was funded by the Urban Growth Agreement (Bypakke Nedre Glomma) and the EU's Horizon Europe SUM (Seamless Urban Mobility) programme. As a so-called Living Lab, the project contributes to the development of sustainable mobility solutions in Europe.
Tom Mauno from Fredrikstad City Council describes the test as a clear success for sustainable urban mobility. The low energy costs and high passenger demand have exceeded expectations. The city is now examining whether the ferry can be used permanently for local transport.
Connection to Candela
The investor Ocean Zero, founded by TED speaker Chris Anderson, has stakes in both Hyke and the Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela. Candela builds fast electric boats with hydrofoils for longer distances. Hyke concentrates on short distances with a high cycle frequency. The two companies complement each other in their areas of application. Together they cover various applications in electric water transport.
Hyke is planning further announcements in the coming months. These include additional ship constructions and a joint venture with one of Norway's largest ferry operators. Details are still pending.
Technical data of the Hyke:
- Length: 15 metres
- Width: 5.7 metres
- Weight: 11 tonnes
- passenger capacity: 50 persons
- Drive power: 60 to 150 kW (depending on version)
- Battery capacity: 95 to 285 kWh (gross)
- Maximum speed: 15 knots (28 km/h)
- Energy consumption: 10 to 12 kWh per hour at 6 knots
- Charging system: Automatic, wireless at landing stages
- Additional equipment: Solar panels on the roof
- Field of application: Protected waters, urban transport
- Hull material: GRP
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
