- Kongsberg Maritime to supply electrification and automated control systems for up to four new all-electric ferries to the Swedish Transport Administration.
- The technology will provide remote monitoring and secure communication between the ports, ferries, and the control center.
- The Swedish Transport administration’s Road Ferries have the exclusive right to run ferries that link the country’s road network.
Kongsberg Maritime has agreed to supply electrification and control systems with automated functionalities for up to four new all-electric ferries for the Swedish Transport Administration, with two firms for delivery and an option for two more.
Key elements
Kongsberg Maritime will provide the ferries’ electrical systems, as well as a comprehensive control system suite, including energy management, navigation.
An all-new situational awareness system linked with automated maneuvering, to achieve the dual goals of electrification and automation.
Communication and monitoring
Kongsberg Maritime will provide the technology for the remote monitoring and operation center in Stockholm, as well as secure communication between ferries, ports, and the control center.
In addition to general automation of all onboard systems and essential port equipment such as charging and mooring. The ferry company can train their staff in new operational procedures with the help of a simulator from Kongsberg Digital that features 360-degree visuals.
Step forward
“We will deliver the ferries to Sweden complete with shore charging and auto-mooring. These vessels represent a significant step forward for Holland Shipyards Group and the ferry market in general.”
“Few yards have delivered an entire electrical sailing scope, including shore infrastructure. An innovative contract like this one truly recognises our past performance,” says Marco Hoogendoorn, Director of Holland Shipyards Group.
The Swedish Transport Administration’s Swedish Road Ferries has the exclusive right to run ferries that link the country’s road network.
Autonomous operations
“This development confirms our belief that coastal traffic, particularly ferries, will be the first ship types to adopt autonomous operations,” said Roger Trinterud, Sales Director, Kongsberg Maritime.
“This project will also build on our work on Yara Birkeland, a zero-emissions container feeder vessel, and the fully autonomous freight ferries for Norwegian grocery distributor Asko,” said Hans Westad, Portfolio Manager, Autonomous and Remote Projects, Kongsberg Maritime.
The short routes and the presence of significant on-water traffic, including pleasure boats and occasional ice, pose challenges in automating the operations of these ferries.
According to Erik Froste, CEO of Swedish Road Ferries, these cutting-edge ferries are good for the environment and increase sea safety.
Following delivery, a 12-month testing period is planned to further develop and fine-tune automated functionalities as well as demonstrate the ferries’ capabilities to Swedish authorities.
Did you subscribe to our Newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe.
Source: Kongsberg
