To reduce traffic on a congested road network and emissions from transport, it is necessary to facilitate cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport of goods, even over short distances. In this pilot, a commercially and technically feasible zero-emission concept is developed, in which autonomous, electrically driven ships (sea drones) transport goods across the Oslo Fjord. Together with electric trucks for transport of goods to and from the port area, this constitutes a cost-effective, zero-emission system for door-to-door transport. The system is also flexible as it facilitates the transport of various types of cargo: Ro-Ro, container, and bulk.
Status
The pilot started in 2018. The project has finalized the concept development phase, focusing on the ship’s propulsion and electrical system, cargo handling and analysis of commercial and technical risk, and has clarified issues regarding port facilities, shipyards, and documentation to the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The project has received a commitment of NOK 119 million from Enova.
In May 2020, the NorgesGruppen board decided to build the ships and a contract of two ships has been awarded to Cochin Shipyard in India, with an option to build two additional ships. The installation of equipment and systems onboard the ships will be done in Norway. The two ships are expected to be delivered from the yard two years after contract signing.