A contract signed between Kongsberg Maritime and Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) will see Kongsberg supply its electrification and control system technology with automated functionalities to four new-build all-electric ferries for the Swedish Transport Administration. Two vessels are firm for delivery and the Swedish Transport Administration has the option for two additional ferries.
With a view to electrifying and automating the ferry, Kongsberg Maritime will also supply the ferries’ entire electrical systems, including a control system suite, energy management, navigation equipment and a newly designed situational awareness system linked with automated maneuvering.
In addition to the onboard systems, Kongsberg will supply port equipment for charging and mooring. The maritime technology company will also deliver componentry to enable remote monitoring of the vessel from an operation center in Stockholm, Sweden.
“We will deliver the ferries turnkey to Sweden, including shore charging and auto mooring. These vessels mark a new step forward for Holland Shipyards Group and the ferry market in general,” said Marco Hoogendoorn, director of HSG. “Not many yards have experience with delivery of a complete electrical sailing scope, including shore infrastructure. An innovative contract like this one really is recognition of our past performances.”
“This development confirms our view that coastal traffic – and ferries in particular – will be the first ship types to adopt autonomous operations,” added Roger Trinterud, sales director at Kongsberg Maritime.
“This project will also further build on the work we have done 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 at Kongsberg Maritime.
A 12-month test program is being planned to develop and tune the vessel’s automated functionalities. The companies also aim to demonstrate the ferries’ capabilities to the Swedish authorities.