Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with Holland Shipyards Group to provide electrification and control systems for new all-electric ferries.
The contract for the two ferries, being built for the Swedish Transport Administration, includes an option for two more.
“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, Kongsberg Maritime.
Dual objectives
To achieve the dual objectives of electrification and automation, 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 manoeuvring.
Together with the general automation of all onboard systems and essential port equipment like charging and mooring, the company will also deliver the technology for the remote monitoring and operation centre in Stockholm and secure communication between ferries, ports and the control centre.
A simulator with 360-degree visuals from Kongsberg Digital is also part of the delivery, enabling the ferry company to train their crew in new operational procedures.
“We will deliver the ferries turn-key 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, Holland Shipyards Group.
“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.”
The challenges in automating the operations of these ferries include the short routes and the presence of significant on-water traffic, including pleasure boats and occasional ice.
A 12-month test period is planned after delivery to further develop and fine-tune automated functionalities and to demonstrate the ferries’ capabilities to Swedish authorities.
