​Deal signed to develop autonomous ferries

Part of the Norwegian highway network, County Road 715, the service will operate between Rørvik and Flakk.

Auto docking, auto crossing, collision avoidance and situational awareness capabilities will all be installed in the vessels owned by Torghatten in a bid to reduce fuel consumption, improve safety and punctuality and optimise staffing.

“The ferry industry has several challenges where autonomous processes can be part of the solution,” said Torghatten’s technology director, Jan-Egil Wagnild.

“We have several industrial environments in Norway that are at the forefront internationally in the field of maritime autonomy. Now there’s another platform where the key players can test new technologies in operational conditions and commercialise these solutions.”

One benefit is the need for fewer staff given the chronic shortage of seafarers in today’s world.

“Autonomous solutions can help increase safety and operational efficiency. In addition, autonomy can be a natural step forward to give the crew additional support systems to improve their everyday working life,” said Mariann Grønseth, managing director of Torghatten.

Kongsberg Maritime says it has proved its autonomus and remote technologies on several pilot projects on inland and coastal vessels.

“The basic technology is already in place with us, but for it to be optimised and further developed, we are dependent on rolling it out on commercial vessels and building an industry around what can be commercialised for a global market,” said Pål André Eriksen, senior vice president, Remote & Autonomous Solutions for Kongsberg Maritime.

“We are very optimistic about this project and look forward to it giving a positive boost to the maritime authorities’ work to adapt the regulations. This will facilitate a smoother development of the autonomy industry in Norway and create new opportunities for growth and innovation also beyond Norway’s borders.”