Leading Norwegian operators invest in zero-emission passenger vessel with Hyke

Oslo/Stavanger/Haugesund — April 30, 2026.

Leading Norwegian operators invest in zero-emission passenger vessel with Hyke

The new company Cityboat has ordered a state-of-the-art, electric passenger vessel to offer silent, pollution-free travel for passengers and tourists on the idyllic islands around Haugesund. The vessel is being delivered by the Norwegian maritime hi-tech company Hyke.

Cityboat is a joint venture between one of Norway’s leading express boat companies Rødne and Haugesund-based tourism expert Viking Adventure. The 15-meter “Hyke F-15 Shuttle” will be built by western Norway’s Herde Kompositt in Hardanger with mainly Norwegian systems and components. 

Margaret Hystad, owner and CEO of Viking Adventure and City boat’s manager, said harbour cruises around western Norway’s Haugesund have already begun, using a leased Hyke sister boat until the new boat is completed. Delivery is expected at the end of 2026. “The Hyke vessel offers our guests an unforgettable experience in close contact with the surroundings, free from noise, vibrations and emissions,” she said.

“This is very exciting! We are always looking for new ways to showcase our wonderful city and unique city islands. The Hyke F-15 Shuttle opens a new market segment for us,” Hystad added.

A boat for the future

Unlike most electric passenger vessels requiring special charging stations, the F-15 Shuttle can use any electric car fast charger and even regular household electrical sockets. The boat’s light weight and advanced technical solutions let it operate a whole day without recharging.

“The Hyke F-15 Shuttle uses about the same amount of energy as five hair dryers and is in a class of its own no matter what you compare it to,” says Halvor Vislie, CEO of Hyke. — a performance already proven in public transport operations in the eastern Norway city of Fredrikstad.

“This agreement is a recognition that our vessel also meets the demands of a very quality-conscious group looking for unique experiences,” he says.

Good news for the travel sector

Family-owned Rødne is a leader in environmentally friendly maritime transport and tourism, as well as being a pioneer in electrification and innovative technology for express boats.

CEO Lars A. Rødne says the company closely followed Hyde’s trial project for several years and that its shuttles make new, smaller routes economically feasible.

 “With its groundbreaking design, minimal energy consumption and low operating costs, the Hyke F-15 Shuttle represents something completely new in the market,” says Rødne.

The shuttle was designed, developed and built in Norway and is considered one of the world’s most energy efficient vessels of its type. It is also designed for serial production, cutting costs and delivery time. It represents a major and important step forward in sustainable tourism. 

“It drew a lot of interest and passengers from day one, and feedback is excellent.  If things continue like this, there will be more Hyke ferries both in Haugesund and in other cities,” says Hystad.

For more information, please contact:

Rødne CEO - Lars A. Rødne mobile: +47 982 41 501

Viking Adventure/Cityboat CEO - Margaret Hystad mobile: +47 905 95 844

Hyke CEO - Halvor Vislie mobile: +47 976 40 446

Photo credit to Hyke and may be used freely.

Technical data

Length: 14.9 meters

Width: 5.7 meters

Passenger capacity: 50

Weight: approx. 11 tons

Installed battery capacity: 196 kWh

Charging: 150kW DC, 22kW AC

Facts about Hyke

Hyke is a Norwegian technology company that develops emission-free, sustainable vessels through innovative design, lightweight materials and advanced technology. The company has offices in Oslo and Stavanger and works with customers globally.

Facts about Rødne

Rødne is Norway's largest family-owned express boat company. The company was founded in 1956 and today consists of three business areas. Two of them, Rødne Trafikk and Rødne Ambulanse, provide scheduled transport and ambulance services to island communities on the western coast of Norway. The third area, Rødne Fjord Cruise, offers fjord adventures from Stavanger, Bergen and Tromsø to companies, locals and tourists from all over the world. Rødne is determined to be a leader in environmentally friendly boat transport. The company currently has 165 permanent employees. The head office is on the island of Sjernarøy.

Facts about Viking Adventure

Viking Adventure is a local provider of unique experiences, based in Haugesund. The company has extensive experience and deep local roots and is passionate about communicating the region’s local history and unique experiences. As an Environmental Lighthouse certified company, the company works tirelessly for environmental improvements that contribute to a sustainable future. The company has a strong focus on local sustainability and value creation.