World’s first autonomous passenger ferries under construction in Turkey

Tersan Shipyard in Turkey is building four autonomous-ready ferries, which are expected to be the first in the world to operate independently without human intervention, for Norwegian operator Fjord1.

The groundbreaking ferries are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2026 and will operate between Lavik and Oppedal in Norway from September 2026. The first autonomous crossings of the fjord and docking are expected in 2027, with autonomous navigation implemented in 2028. Operations will be carefully monitored from a land-based control centre in Florø.

The four battery-powered ferries were designed by HAV Design AS of Norway. Each one is 120 metres long and 18.6 metres wide and has a capacity of 399 passengers including the crew and 120 cars.

Glamox, a world leader in lighting, has won the contract to light the four ferries. “Autonomous vessels are equipped with cameras that require good quality flicker-free lighting so people at the control centre can see precisely what’s going on,” said Astrid Simonsen Joos, Group CEO of Glamox. “These ferries also sport a powerful bow light that illuminates the area in front of them, supporting safe operations as well as making them even more visible to other shipping.”