Holland Shipyards Group has won the race in a nationwide call for projects to develop autonomous decarbonated passenger boats for the River Seine.
Together with its consortium partners Sequana Développement and Roboat, Holland Shipyards Group will develop the 9m by 3.90m 3D printed boat for the French inland waterway authority, Voies Navigables de France.
When completed, it will be the largest printed autonomous ferry to date.
“The 3D print build method opens up a new exciting chapter in shipbuilding,” says Leendert Hoogendoorn, director Holland Shipyards Group.
”Every city has to deal with urban mobility challenges and green transport over water can offer an excellent solution. By using autonomous electric ferries, you have a sustainable solution for reducing city congestion and emissions. The ferries help cities solve their growing mobility needs by making better use of the waterways.”
State-of-the-art
The ferry is characterised by a state-of-the-art design, an autonomy system, electric propulsion and has a 3D printed hull made of recycled material.
Mooring and charging has been designed to happen automatically.
“Autonomous ferries will create new connections over existing waterways in cities worldwide,” said Ynse Deinema, CEO, Roboat.
“We are extremely proud of this opportunity where top-level sport and shipbuilding meet and match in quality, passion and progressive approach.”
The ferry is to be deployed in the summer of 2024 in a key location, still under wraps, but in the vicinity of where major sporting events are held.
