b'MEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWSNew Autonomous Electric Ferriesto Include Kongsberg Maritime TechnologyW hile still a growing area of the indus- for up to four new all-electric ferries for thewell as a comprehensive control system suite, try, autonomous technology is gain- Swedish Transport Administration, with twoincluding energy management, navigation, an ing traction as new ferries are beingfirm for delivery and an option for two more.all-newsituationalawarenesssystemlinked planned that will incorporate this technology.with automated maneuvering.KongsbergMaritime,aPVAmember,hasToachievethedualobjectivesofelectrifica-signed a contract to provide electrification andtionandautomation,KongsbergMaritimeTogether with the general automation of all control systems with automated functionalitieswill provide the ferries electrical systems, asonboardsystemsandessentialportequip-ment like charging and mooring, Kongsberg Maritime will also deliver the technology for the remote monitoring and operation center inStockholm,andsecurecommunication between ferries, ports, and the control center. Asimulatorwith360-degreevisualsfrom Kongsberg Digital is also part of the delivery, enabling the ferry company to train their crew in new operational procedures.The challenges in automating the operations of these ferries include the short routes and thepresenceofsignificanton-watertraffic, including pleasure boats and occasional ice. Ac-cording to Erik Froste, CEO of Swedish Road PHOTO COURTESY OF KONGSBERG MARITIMEFerries, these state-of-the-art ferries are good for the environment and increasing safety at sea.A 12-month test period is planned after deliv-ery to further develop and fine-tune automated functionalities, and to demonstrate the ferries capabilities to Swedish authorities.Above: Cor Hoogendoorn of Holland Shipyard Group and Roger Trinterud of Kongsberg Maritime finalize the agreement. FOGHORN 32'