Torghatten & Kongsberg Maritime To Develop Self-driving Ferries On Flakk-Rørvik Route

Kongsberg Maritime and Torghatten Midt have announced a groundbreaking partnership to build a self-driving ferry service connecting Trondheim with the Fosen peninsula.

This strategic cooperation aims to use cutting-edge autonomous technologies to improve the effectiveness and safety of maritime transportation.

Kongsberg Maritime will install advanced technologies aboard the ferries, such as autonomous docking, autonomous crossing, collision avoidance, and situational awareness.

These technologies aim to optimise staffing by maritime rules, minimise fuel consumption, and enhance safety and punctuality.

Torghatten Midt’s Technology Director, Jan-Egil Wagnild, highlighted the advantages of autonomous processes in resolving the ferry sector’s issues.

He added that self-driving ferries can help improve safety and on-time performance, reduce energy consumption, and take over everyday responsibilities from the crew.

The crew can then focus on the sea instead of the dashboard and navigation controls.

The industry’s difficulty with a lack of qualified candidates is also perceived as a reason for the initiative.

As Wagnild stated, recruitment in this sector tends to be extremely weak, so we struggle to get sufficient people.

The Managing Director of Torghatten Midt, Mariann Grønseth, highlighted the increasing need for digital technologies in the maritime industry.

Autonomous technologies can improve operational efficiency and security.

Furthermore, implementing such technologies can be appropriate for providing the crew with extra support systems to enhance their day-to-day working conditions.

Kongsberg Maritime has showcased its remote and autonomous solutions in multiple pilot projects.

Pål André Eriksen, Senior Vice President of Remote and Autonomous Solutions, expressed enthusiasm regarding the project.

He added that they are very optimistic about the project and are looking forward to it giving the maritime authorities’ work a positive boost to adopt the regulations.

This will enable the autonomy sector in Norway to operate more smoothly and provide new growth and innovation prospects both inside and outside the country.

In addition to increasing safety and efficiency, autonomous maritime solutions are anticipated to improve environmental sustainability by optimising routes, navigation, and cargo handling, which lowers energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Reference: Kongsberg

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