Norwegian Control Systems (NCS) and its sister company, Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) are to deliver automation and hybrid propulsion systems for nine newbuild Fjord1 ferries.
The supply agreement includes five complete automation systems, NCS’s Concept Bridge solution with a large electro engineering package, electric and hybrid propulsion systems, bridge solutions, automation, battery and charging systems.
To improve the energy efficiency of the vessels further, NCS will provide its Ship Performance Monitor (SPM) software. The software collects data on onboard energy consumption and takes into account vessel speed, wind velocity and direction, distance, draught, and trim. The SPM software is integrated with the vessel’s automation system to automatically display a vessel’s energy consumption. A secure VPN cloud connection allows all historic data to be stored.
The Fjord1 ferries will also make use of the SPM Fleet Manager software, which generates reports as evidence of compliance with international standards, including the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), and the EU’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) standard for CO2 emissions.
NCS reports that crew, supervisors and other personnel can subscribe to these reports from all vessels within their fleet.
Norway has already made significant steps in driving electric transport and promoting a zero emissions future. In May 2017, Norwegian company, Yara, announced the Yara Birkeland – a zero emissions battery-powered autonomous vessel that will be able to drive itself by 2020, using Kongsberg technology. This contract indicates Norway’s continued drive of electric vessels and propulsion.
Svein Ove Farstad, Sales & Bid Manager in NCS says: “We are proud to be the supplier of products and solutions to these new environmentally friendly ferries. The world is looking towards Norway when it comes to the electrification of ferries and other vessel types. It is important for NCS to show that we are a supplier that can be trusted when the demand for these solutions begins in other marine markets. The renewal of vessels, which is occurring now, is the most extensive we have ever seen in Norwegian ferry history.”
The ferries, which are being built in Norwegian yards, will operate on the Hareid-Sulesund and Magerholm-Sykkylven route once delivery commences in 2018. The value of the contract is reported at approximately 21m NOK.
Image: A Fjord1 ferry. Courtesy of NCS and Fjord1.
