By
Alex Smith |
Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten and marine technology company Kongsberg Maritime have entered into a contact to develop a system for self-driving ferries on the Flakk-Rørvik route in Norway, connecting the city of Trondheim with communities on the Fosen peninsula.
The collaboration between the two companies will see Kongsberg Maritime technologies installed on the ferries, including its auto docking, auto crossing, collision avoidance and situational awareness capabilities. The new systems will aim to reduce fuel consumption, improve safety and punctuality, and optimise the staffing on ferries in accordance with maritime regulations.
“The ferry industry has several challenges where autonomous processes can be part of the solution,” said Jan-Egil Wagnild, technology director for Torghatten. “Self-driving ferries can help increase safety and punctuality, reduce energy consumption, and take over routine tasks from the crew, who can then spend their attention on the sea instead of on the dashboard and navigation controls.”
The system will provide auto docking, auto crossing, collision avoidance and situational awareness capabilities
Kongsberg has carried out several pilot projects demonstrating its remote and autonomous technologies onboard both coastal and inland waterway 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 of remote and 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.”