Sweden electrifies and automates ferry traffic with KONGSBERG Tech.
[By: Kongsberg Maritime]
Netherlands, 19 October 2022 – Kongsberg Maritime has signed an agreement with Holland Shipyards Group to provide electrification and control systems with automated functions for up to four new all-electric ferries for the Swedish Transport Administration, with two for delivery and an option for two more.
To achieve the twin goals of electrification and automation, Kongsberg Maritime will provide the ferries’ electrical systems, as well as a comprehensive control system suite, including energy management, navigation, a completely new situational awareness system linked to automated maneuvering.
Along with the general automation of all onboard systems and important port equipment such as loading and mooring, Kongsberg Maritime will also supply the technology for the remote monitoring and operations center in Stockholm, and secure communication between ferries, ports and the control center. A simulator with 360 degree graphics from Kongsberg Digital is also included in the delivery, which enables the ferry company to train its crew in new operational routines.
– We will deliver the ferries turnkey to Sweden, including shore loading and auto mooring. These vessels mark a new step forward for Holland Shipyards Group and the ferry market in general,” says Marco Hoogendoorn, Director, Holland Shipyards Group. “Not many shipyards have experience in the delivery of a complete electric sailing scope, including shore infrastructure. An innovative contract like this is truly a recognition of our past achievements.”
Swedish Road Ferries, which is part of the Swedish Transport Administration, has the exclusive right to operate ferries that connect the national road network.
“This development confirms our view that coastal shipping – and ferries in particular – will be the first vessel types to adopt autonomous operations,” said Roger Trinterud, Sales Director, Kongsberg Maritime.
“This project will also build on the work we have done on the Yara Birkeland, a zero-emission container feeder ship, and the fully autonomous cargo ferries for the Norwegian grocery distributor Asko,” says Hans Westad, Portfolio Manager, Autonomous and Remote Projects, Kongsberg Maritime .
The challenges of automating the operation of these ferries include the short routes and the presence of significant traffic on the water, including recreational boats and occasional ice. According to Erik Froste, CEO of Swedish Road Ferries, these state-of-the-art ferries are good for the environment and increase safety at sea.
A 12-month test period is planned after delivery to further develop and fine-tune automated functions, as well as to demonstrate the ferries’ capabilities to Swedish authorities.
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