Wilhelmsen and KONGSBERG are joining forces to offer a complete value chain for autonomous ships, from design and development, to control systems, logistics services and vessel operations.
The new joint venture company Massterly will be fully operational from August 2018 with offices in Lysaker, Norway.
“As a world-leading maritime nation, Norway has taken a position at the forefront in developing autonomous ships,” said Thomas Wilhelmsen, Wilhelmsen group CEO. “Through the creation of the new company named Massterly, we take the next step on this journey by establishing infrastructure and services to design and operate vessels, as well as advanced logistics solutions associated with maritime autonomous operations. Massterly will reduce costs at all levels and be applicable to all companies that have a transport need.”
Geir Håøy, President and CEO of KONGSBERG, said, “Autonomy and remote operations are an important development for the maritime industry and Norway’s lead has been made possible as a result of close cooperation between the Norwegian maritime cluster and the Norwegian authorities. In recent years there has been rapid development driven by a significant increase in demand from customers worldwide, from the traditional maritime industry and others.”
A key milestone in Norway’s maritime autonomy story was the May 2017 announcement of the world’s first fully-electric container vessel, Yara Birkeland, planned be completely autonomous by 2020, sailing between Yara’s Norwegian production facilities at Herøya and the ports of Brevik and Larvik.
Massterly sets out to deliver and operate autonomous vessels such as Yara Birkeland. It will establish land-based control centers to monitor and operate autonomous ships in Norway and internationally.
“When autonomous ships soon are a reality, Massterly will be crucial for digitalizing the infrastructure and operations,” Håøy said.
“Currently, we are at the very beginning of this development, but we see and believe that there will be a significant market for these types of services in the near future,” Wilhelmsen said. “At first, short sea shipping will use autonomous ships. This also implies increased competitiveness to move transport from road to sea. The gains are increased efficiency and reduction of emissions. For Norway as a maritime nation, this will be an important contribution to reach the UN sustainable development goals.”
Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.
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Source: Kongsberg
