Kongsberg Maritime and Torghatten Join Forces to Launch Self-Driving Ferry Service

Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten and technology company Kongsberg Maritime have teamed up to develop a system for self-driving ferries on the Flakk-Rørvik route in Norway. This car ferry service is an important part of the Norwegian highway network, connecting Trondheim with communities on the Fosen peninsula. The collaboration will see Kongsberg Maritime’s technologies, such as auto docking and collision avoidance, installed on the ferries to improve safety, reduce fuel consumption, and optimize staffing.

The goal of introducing self-driving ferries is to increase safety and punctuality, reduce energy consumption, and allow crew members to focus on other tasks rather than navigation. With the new systems in place, the industry hopes to address challenges and improve operational efficiency. Kongsberg Maritime has successfully demonstrated its remote and autonomous technologies in pilot projects, showing their applicability to coastal and inland waterway vessels. The companies are optimistic about the project’s potential to boost the autonomy industry in Norway and beyond.

The collaboration between Torghatten and Kongsberg Maritime is seen as a step towards developing autonomous solutions for the maritime industry. By signing an agreement with other countries, Norway aims to facilitate better cooperation on the international operation of autonomous vessels in the North Sea. This partnership is expected to streamline the operation of autonomous ships and ensure they comply with national regulations and frameworks for safe navigation.

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