Sweden is moving forward with the electrification and automation of ferries, says a Europe Cities news article.
Contract with Holland Shipyards Group
Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with Holland Shipyards Group to provide electrification and control systems with automated functions for up to four new all-electric ferries to the Swedish Transport Administration.
To achieve the twin goals of electrification and automation, Kongsberg Maritime will provide the ferries’ electrical system, as well as a 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.
360-degree graphics from Kongsberg Digital
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.
This development confirms our view that coastal shipping – and ferries in particular – will be the first vessel types to adopt autonomous operations
says Roger Trinterud, Sales Director, Kongsberg Maritime.
This project will also build on the work Kongsberg has done on Yara Birkeland, a zero-emission container feeder ship, and the fully autonomous cargo ferries for Norwegian grocery distributor Asko, added Hans Westad, Portfolio Manager, Autonomous and Remote Projects, Kongsberg Maritime.
A 12-month test period is planned after delivery to further develop and fine-tune automated functions, as well as to demonstrate the ferries’ capacity to Swedish authorities.
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Source: Europe Cities
