--- title: Frostabåten description: 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. image: https://oceanautonomy.no/hubfs/Frostab%C3%A5ten%20torsdag%2018%20desember%202025%20-%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri%20(11).jpg --- [![Dark_yellow-fill_POS_powbyFI](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Dark_yellow-fill_POS_powbyFI.png?width=350&height=49&name=Dark_yellow-fill_POS_powbyFI.png)](https://oceanautonomy.no?hsLang=en-us) - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news?hsLang=en-us) - ABOUT - [CLUSTER AND TEAM](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/clusterandteam?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/membership?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/members?hsLang=en-us) - PROJECTS - [Dark Drones](https://oceanautonomy.no/dark-drones?hsLang=en-us) - [FI Ocean Space Incubator](https://fi-nor.no/en/oceanspaceincubator/) - [Frostabåten](https://oceanautonomy.no/frostabåten) - [Maritimt studentsenter Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/maritimt-studentsenter-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS - Mennesket i framtidens havromsoperasjoner](https://oceanautonomy.no/nb/project_midas?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS Academy](https://midas-academy.no/) - [ROC - Remote Operation Centres for next-generation maritime autonomy](https://oceanautonomy.no/project_roc-remote-operation-centres-for-next-generation-maritime-autonomy?hsLang=en-us) - [Strategisk forum Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/no-no/project-strategisk-forum-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [Testination](https://testination.io/) - [XLRTR - Accelerate Dual-Use Technology for Multi-domain Operations](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/xlrtr?hsLang=en-us) - Completed projects - [AGATI - Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_agati?hsLang=en-us) - [DIGIFJORD](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_digifjord?hsLang=en-us) - [FAST - Flexible Autonomous Smart Transport](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_fast?hsLang=en-us) - [FLEX FERRY](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_flexferry?hsLang=en-us) - [MATIN - The Croatia – Norway Marine Technology Innovation network](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_matin?hsLang=en-us) - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news?hsLang=en-us) - ABOUT - [CLUSTER AND TEAM](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/clusterandteam?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/membership?hsLang=en-us) - [MEMBERS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/members?hsLang=en-us) - PROJECTS - [Dark Drones](https://oceanautonomy.no/dark-drones?hsLang=en-us) - [FI Ocean Space Incubator](https://fi-nor.no/en/oceanspaceincubator/) - [Frostabåten](https://oceanautonomy.no/frostabåten) - [Maritimt studentsenter Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/maritimt-studentsenter-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS - Mennesket i framtidens havromsoperasjoner](https://oceanautonomy.no/nb/project_midas?hsLang=en-us) - [MIDAS Academy](https://midas-academy.no/) - [ROC - Remote Operation Centres for next-generation maritime autonomy](https://oceanautonomy.no/project_roc-remote-operation-centres-for-next-generation-maritime-autonomy?hsLang=en-us) - [Strategisk forum Nyhavna](https://oceanautonomy.no/no-no/project-strategisk-forum-nyhavna?hsLang=en-us) - [Testination](https://testination.io/) - [XLRTR - Accelerate Dual-Use Technology for Multi-domain Operations](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/xlrtr?hsLang=en-us) - Completed projects - [AGATI - Adriatic Green Autonomous Transport Initiative](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_agati?hsLang=en-us) - [DIGIFJORD](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_digifjord?hsLang=en-us) - [FAST - Flexible Autonomous Smart Transport](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_fast?hsLang=en-us) - [FLEX FERRY](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_flexferry?hsLang=en-us) - [MATIN - The Croatia – Norway Marine Technology Innovation network](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/project_matin?hsLang=en-us) [Get in touch](https://26558673.hs-sites-eu1.com/contactus?hsLang=en-us) ## 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. [Testsailing plan](https://oceanautonomy.no/frostab%C3%A5ten-plan-testseiling) --- ## **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 torsdag 18 desember 2025 - Foto Lars Bugge Aarset Fremtidens Industri (11)](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Frostab%C3%A5ten%20torsdag%2018%20desember%202025%20-%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri%20(11).jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=Frostab%C3%A5ten%20torsdag%2018%20desember%202025%20-%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri%20(11).jpg) 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.* ### See also - [Frostabåten: En fullskala testarena for fremtidens autonome sjøtransport (NO)](https://fi-nor.no/frostabaten-en-fullskala-testarena-for-fremtidens-autonome-sjotransport/) - [Frostabåten: A real-world testbed for the future of autonomous maritime travel (EN)](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/frostab%C3%A5ten-a-real-world-testbed-for-the-future-of-autonomous-maritime-travel) - [Frostabåten starter testseiling med elektrisk hydrofoil på Trondheimsfjorden (NO)](https://fi-nor.no/frostabaten-starter-testseiling-med-elektrisk-hydrofoil-pa-trondheimsfjorden/) - [Frostabåten begins test sailings with electric hydrofoil on the Trondheim Fjord (EN)](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/frostab%C3%A5ten-begins-test-sailings-with-electric-hydrofoil-on-the-trondheim-fjord) - [Trondheim kommune tester elektrisk hydrofoil til Munkholmen (NO)](https://fi-nor.no/trondheim-kommune-testet-elektrisk-hydrofoil-til-munkholmen/) - [Trondheim municipality testing electric hydrofoil to Munkholmen (EN)](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/trondheim-municipality-tested-electric-hydrofoil-to-munkholmen?hsLang=en-us) - [Et vanvittig engasjement rundt Frostabåten (NO)](https://fi-nor.no/et-vanvittig-engasjement-rundt-frostabaten/) - [Incredible enthusiasm around Frostabåten (EN)](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/oacnews/-incredible-enthusiasm-around-the-frostab%C3%A5ten) - [NTNU Nyheter: Fra lab til fjord (NO)](https://nyheter.ntnu.no/fra-lab-til-fjord/) - [Candela P-12 Shuttle: Fast electric commuting (EN)](https://candela.com/pro-series/p-12-shuttle/) ![Frostabåten Munkholmen Foto Lars Bugge Aarset Fremtidens Indust (56)](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Frostab%C3%A5ten%20Munkholmen%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Indust%20(56).jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=Frostab%C3%A5ten%20Munkholmen%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Indust%20(56).jpg)Frode Halvorsen, Ocean Autonomy Cluster and Linda Hald FI Ocean Space incubator. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri --- ## **Interested in Learning More?** Contact **Linda Cathrine Hald** Project Manager, FI Ocean Space Incubator Telefon: +47 976 74 134 Email: [linda@fi-nor.no](mailto:linda@fi-nor.no) ### Press Lars Bugge Aarset Kommunikasjonsrådgiver - Fremtidens Industri Telefon: +47 926 88 888 Email: [lars@fi-nor.no](mailto:lars@fi-nor.no)    --- ##### About Ocean Autonomy Cluster Ocean Autonomy Cluster is awarded The ECEI BRONZE Label “Striving for Cluster Excellence” [![Bronze label](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Bronze%20label.png?width=180&height=70&name=Bronze%20label.png)](https://www.cluster-analysis.org/benchmarked-clusters)   ##### Links - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news) - ABOUT - PROJECTS - [NEWS](https://oceanautonomy.no/en-us/news) ##### Contact us [Frode@fi-nor.no](mailto:Frode@fi-nor.no) +47 918 45 969 Skippergata 14 - 7040 Trondheim-NORWAY [Subscribe for newsletter](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1drRpuCknT9Gj2pUOE-9pVgft8sx) ![Dark_yellow-fill_POS (3)](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Dark_yellow-fill_POS%20(3).png?width=322&height=45&name=Dark_yellow-fill_POS%20(3).png) [![FI_logo_stor](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FI_logo_stor.png?width=41&height=41&name=FI_logo_stor.png)](https://fi-nor.no/) ![FI - redigert logo](https://oceanautonomy.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FI%20-%20redigert%20logo.png?width=174&height=58&name=FI%20-%20redigert%20logo.png)    ©2026 Copyright . 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