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.

Frostabåten, Candela P-12. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

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.

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.