New maritime pilot: World’s first autonomous car ferry

First Western Norway made ferries electrical to reduce emissions. Now the Bergen region is preparing for the world’s first autonomous car ferry. From 2027 four vessels with several automated processes will be serving the crossing over Sognefjorden in Vestland.

The project is a good example of how the Norwegian marine industry is a market for pilots that will shape the future maritime sector, and will create market opportunities.

The Lavik-Oppedal crossing is a busy route, carrying around 1,2 million cars every year, and was the world’s first electric ferry vessel.  Now the region takes another leap into the maritime future on the same crossing.

Zero-emittance and future technology

The contract imposes Fjord1 a zero-emittance operation as well as increased frequency compared with today’s timetables. Four vessels will serve the crossing where 23 different functions will be fully automated. The contract also encompasses an onshore control centre for surveillance and possibilities for remotely control.

The contract between Statens Vegvesen, The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, and transport company Fjord1 represents a new era in a region that depends on carry ferries to tie fjords and islands to the mainland.

Making changes through procurement

Vestland County was a pioneer as the first to invest in all-electric ferries back in 2014. During the next seven years, 19 out of 25 ferry routes are made all-electric. This has been a significant step towards realizing a zero-emission vision in passenger transport. An important reason for making this possible has been the county’s clear procurement policy.

 – As a large buyer we have significant bargaining power. We have a long tradition in using the power that lays in procurement. We have previously used it to do our share to reach the zero emission goals. Now we are using it to take the ferries into a modern and automated future, says Statens Vegvesen’s director for ferries, Dag Hole.

Hole adds that the Lavik-Oppedal contract is the starting point of automatizing ferry activity and says Statens Vegvesen will draw on experience for future projects.

Will trigger other projects

CEO in Fjord1, Dagfinn Neteland, states in a press release that they look forward to developing new technologies.

- This contract representants a leap in developing future passenger transport solutions. We look forward to start working with this project. We are certain this will create learning thaw we can transfer to for other marine projects, concludes Neteland.

Norway has around 100 ferry crossings. These flotaing tunnels tie the contry together and are an important part of the infrastructure.The crossing over Sognefjorden is busy and are now ready for yet another martine pilot project. 

 Ilustration: Daily Mail.