Norwegian electric ferry manufacturer Hyke has received the Most Promising Start-Up Award at the 2026 Autonomous e-Mobility Forum in Doha, as the company seeks opportunities to introduce its vessels in Qatar and the wider Middle East. The award was presented during the forum’s gala dinner and awards ceremony at Rosewood Doha in Lusail. The event was hosted by Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and brought together policymakers, transport authorities, industry representatives and technology companies focused on autonomous and electric mobility.
Hyke designs and manufactures fully electric passenger ferries incorporating autonomous technology. Its vessels are intended for applications including public transport, tourism and hospitality. The company’s F-15 Shuttle can carry up to 50 passengers and provides barrier-free access. The vessel uses the CCS charging standard also used by electric cars and combines electric propulsion with autonomous systems, lightweight construction and a configurable vessel design.
Hyke is working with MCT Group, its local partner in Qatar, to develop relationships with stakeholders and assess potential deployments in Qatar and elsewhere in the region. “We are not presenting a future concept. Hyke is already manufacturing fully electric, autonomous passenger ferries that offer cities a clean, quiet and efficient form of public transport,” said Charles Pembroke-Birss, vice president of sales at Hyke.
MCT Group Chief Executive Sanjay Chadha said the company would support Hyke’s commercial development in Qatar and the wider region and explore opportunities to introduce its vessels to the market. Hyke is pursuing international partnerships and potential vessel deployments as part of its expansion into Qatar and the broader Middle East.
