Kongsberg Maritime has expanded its newbuild project portfolio by signing a new electric ferry concept with technology acceleration organisation PILOT-E.
The overall vision for the PILOT-E Autonomous Ferry concept is to develop a state-of-the-art ferry as an integrated, zero emission aspect of a total national transportation plan.
“The PILOT-E Autonomous Ferry project introduces a new mindset encouraging us to look beyond the traditional organisational setup,” said An-Magritt Tinlund Ryste, project manager, Kongsberg Maritime.
“To meet the ambitious time-to-market expectations, we must really adopt the true meaning of collaboration and step-up the work across technological areas within KONGSBERG and between partners, to harvest the best from each area of expertise.”
The PILOT-E programme is a collaboration between the Norwegian Research Council, Innovasjon Norge and Enova and is designed to accelerate time to market for cutting-edge technology concepts, while at the same time ensuring that the solutions produced are viable and sustainable.
To fulfil the PILOT-E mission, Kongsberg is heading a consortium with Grenland Energy on marine battery technology, Fjellstrand shipyard on vessel design, Grønn Kontakt on the charging of electric cars both quay-side and on board and NTNU as a research partner in energy management.
Kongsberg has already established a number of key industry partnerships on projects that will result in new connected, autonomous and environmentally friendly ships within the next two years, including the YARA Birkeland container feeder and the Hrönn offshore service vessel.
By Anne-Marie Causer
