Frostabåten

Frostabåten

Zero-Emission and Semi-Autonomous High-Speed Mobility in the Trondheim Fjord

Frostabåten is a pioneering initiative to develop and demonstrate a new generation of zero-emission, electric hydrofoil fast-boats supported by semi-autonomous navigation technologies. The project aims to establish a scalable model for future passenger transport in Norway — starting in the Trondheim Fjord and building toward export-ready concepts for international markets.

The project is built around the Swedish-produced Candela P-12, an electric hydrofoil ferry capable of reducing energy consumption by up to 80% by lifting the hull out of the water on underwater wings. This drastically reduces resistance, enabling high speed, low operating costs, and quiet and emission-free operation.

About the project

Project Owner: Frostabåten AS
Project Partners: Ocean Autonomy Cluster, NTNU, FI Ocean Space Incubator, Testination, Candela Technology AB, Trondheim Havn, Crazy Coyote, Frosta Brygge, MIDAS
Financing Partners: Trøndelag County Council, Trondheim Municipality, project partners
Project Status: Ongoing (2024–2027)

Historical Route, New Technology

Frostabåten revives a historic ferry link between Frosta and Trondheim, last operated in 1947. The modern version reimagines the connection as a 25-minute, fully electric and highly energy-efficient crossing, offering a realistic alternative to road travel around the fjord.

Beyond Frosta–Trondheim, the project also explores possible connections to Leksvik, Vanvikan, Munkholmen and Trondheim, creating a regional zero-emission fast-boat network.

Project Objectives

  • Develop and validate a scalable model for electric, zero-emission fast-boat operations.

  • Test and evaluate semi-autonomous navigation and operational support systems.

  • Demonstrate feasibility under Nordic winter conditions (cold, wind, waves, darkness).

  • Produce operational and technical datasets for future tenders, investments and regulations.

  • Build an early-stage ecosystem for commercial routes, tourism services, and regional mobility concepts.

  • Support Norway’s maritime innovation leadership with export-oriented solutions.

Technology and Autonomy Development

The project integrates emerging maritime technologies through close collaboration with NTNU and the Shore Control Lab.

The Candela P-12 used in Frostabåten includes:

  • Semi-autonomous steering and energy optimisation systems

  • Advanced navigation aids that support, but do not replace, the captain

  • Hydrofoil control systems that adjust stability and energy use

  • Data-logging and sensor systems for research and operational analysis

The vessel is not intended to operate without a captain. Instead, autonomy is introduced as assistive technology that enhances safety, efficiency and predictability under demanding conditions.

Project Phases

Phase 1 – Concept and Feasibility (2024–2025)

  • Route studies and transport modelling

  • Technical and economic feasibility assessments

  • Choice of vessel: Candela P-12

  • Early partner ecosystem established

  • Funding secured from Trøndelag County Council and Trondheim Municipality

Phase 2 – Winter Testing and Data Collection (2025–2026)

  • Transport of vessel to Trondheim

  • Training of captains and operational crew (Crazy Coyote)

  • Testing of vessel performance in winter conditions

  • Systematic trials of semi-autonomous functions

  • Demonstration trips for public authorities, industry and media

Phase 3 – Analysis, Scaling and Decision Support (2026)

  • Final technical and operational analysis

  • Recommendations for route implementation

  • Operational model and business case for regular fast-boat service

  • Preparations for national and EU funding applications

Phase 4 – Route Development and Long-Term Implementation (2027 →)

  • Decision process for establishing a permanent route

  • Possible expansion to multi-stop regional services

  • Integration with autonomy and shore-control systems

  • Scaling toward commercial operations and export markets

Partners and Roles

Core Partners

  • Frostabåten AS – Project owner and operator

  • Candela Technology AB – Vessel, hydrofoil systems and technical support

  • NTNU & Shore Control Lab – Autonomy research, data collection, analysis

  • Testination – Operational test procedures and safety protocols

  • FI Ocean Space Incubator – Project management, ecosystem development

  • Ocean Autonomy Cluster – Dissemination, industrial engagement

  • Crazy Coyote – Certified captains and crew

  • Frosta Brygge, MIDAS, Trondheim Havn – Local infrastructure and logistics

Financing Partners

  • Trøndelag County Council

  • Trondheim Municipality

  • Private and industrial partners

These partners enable both vessel operations and the broader innovation and ecosystem development.

Long-Term Impact

The Frostabåten project contributes to:

  • Regional mobility improvements with zero local emissions

  • Reduced travel time for residents and commuters

  • New opportunities for tourism and recreational transport

  • Development of a Norwegian export platform for electric hydrofoil and autonomy solutions

  • Strengthening of Norway’s position in maritime autonomy and green technologies

The project also supports broader climate and mobility strategies of Trøndelag County and Trondheim Municipality.

Technical Specifications – Candela P-12

  • Type: Electric hydrofoil passenger ferry

  • Capacity: 31 passengers

  • Range: Approx. 50 nautical miles (route-dependent)

  • Travel time Frosta–Trondheim: ~25 minutes

  • Energy use: Up to 80% reduction compared to traditional displacement vessels

  • Emissions: Zero local emissions

A hydrofoil is an underwater wing that lifts the vessel out of the water at speed, drastically reducing drag and energy consumption.

Frostabåten Candela P-12

Interested in Learning More?

Contact:
Linda Cathrine Hald
Project Lead, FI Ocean Space Incubator
📞 +47 976 74 134
📧 linda@fi-nor.no