A new Norwegian initiative is joining the efforts to develop
next-generation autonomous shipping vessels. This new effort seeks to design
and launch two commercial ro-ro barges that will operate crossing the Oslo
fjord replacing traditional truck traffic. The goal is to replace two million
kilometers of truck transportation resulting in a saving of 5,000 tons of CO2
annually.
Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, a joint venture between
Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen, will develop and manage the new generation vessels
for ASKO, a Norwegian grocery distributor. The two fully electric ships will
each be equipped with the technology required for zero emission and unmanned
operation by Kongsberg Maritime, while Massterly will ensure ship management
and safe operations from their shore-based Remote Operations Centre.
The vessels, which are due to be delivered early in 2022,
have been designed by Norwegian vessel designer Naval Dynamics and will be
constructed at the state-owned Cochin Shipyard in India. The functionality
enabling autonomous operation will be implemented and tested after arrival in
the operational area in the Oslo fjord. Because of the regulations and the need
to prove the technology, it is anticipated that the two vessels will initially
operate with a reduced crew, before moving towards unmanned voyages.
ASKO, one of Norway’s largest grocery distributors,
currently transports its goods on more than 800 trucks each day. With their
warehouses on the west side of the Oslo fjord and the distribution center on
the east side, road transport is the current means of linking their operations.
The new ro-ro vessels will replace the current vehicles with a zero emission
transport alternative that will also seek to prove autonomous technologies.
“We have a clear ambition to be climate neutral and have set
ambitious goals, including being a self-sufficient provider of clean energy and
having 100% emission-free transport by 2026. These innovative ships are key to
fulfilling that ambition and will form an essential component of a
zero-emissions logistics chain linking our facilities,” explains Kai Just
Olsen, Director, ASKO Maritime. “Fully electric trucks will take the cargo
between the warehouses and the ports of Moss and Horten, and in shipments of 16
the trailers will be transported across the fjord on the battery-driven
vessels. This solution is cost-effective, sustainable, and will remove trucks
from a heavily trafficked road.”
According to the announcement, ENOVA is also supporting the
project, including the required port infrastructure, with 119 MNOK, in line
with the Norwegian society's commitment to reduce emissions and transfer
transport from road to sea where feasible.
Because the ASKO operation lies within Norway’s coastal jurisdiction,
the Norwegian Maritime Authorities (NMA) must also be satisfied that a
sufficient level of safety has been achieved before they will issue an approval
of operation for these vessels. NMA will therefore follow the project through a
detailed risk assessment, based on IMO 1455 guidelines with regards to
equivalent and alternative designs, new technology, verification, and approval
for operation. DNV GL will also support this process as an independent third
party.