World’s first combined automated mooring and shore power project on course

The world’s first battery-powered ferry was delivered recently, heralding a new era in environmentally responsible shipping. The vessel, which will serve a high-frequency route in Norway, will use our very first combined automated mooring and shore power system.

The ferry, built in Gdansk, was recently delivered to Fjellstrand Shipyard in Norway for outfitting and sea trials, and is set to enter service on January 1 next year. If your Norwegian is up to scratch, you can read more about the delivery, and this innovative project, here.

The project is a collaboration between ferry operator Norled, Fjellstrand Shipyard, Siemens and Rolls Royce. The 80m-long vessel is designed for around 120 cars and 360 passengers, and will make 17 crossings of the Sognefjord between Lavik and Oppedal daily.

The ferry, the first of its kind, has been nominated for SMM’s ‘Ship of the Year Award’, the winner of which will be announced in September this year.

Cavotec automated AMP and MoorMaster™ systems are currently being installed at the Lavik and Oppedal berths ahead of the introduction of the ferry.

The level of automation in this application is unprecedented: the MoorMaster™ units will be operated by the ship’s captain using our hand-held radio remote control units. The mooring system will signal to the AMP unit when the ship is safely moored. A laser sensor will then guide the AMP connector to a hatch in the side of the vessel, connect to the ship’s battery and start charging.

We’re pleased to report that all equipment deliveries for this project are also on schedule. We’ll keep you updated about this exciting project in the months ahead. In the meantime, here’s a link to some great footage of MoorMaster™ in action at a similar application in Denmark, and a bulk application in Australia.