Norwegian operator buys Rolls-Royce auto-crossing system

The system will control the ferries’ acceleration, deceleration, speed and track as they cross the fjord between Flakk and Rørvik connecting the peninsula of Fosen with Trondheim. The captain will supervise and intervene if needed, and in early deliveries of the system will manoeuvre the vessels manually into dock for the last few metres. If the captain is unable to take manual control, the system stops the vessel at a safe distance from the quayside and keeps it safely positioned until further action can be taken.

Rolls-Royce noted that automatic systems ensure consistent behaviour and predictable energy consumption, which makes them ideal for tightly regulated Norwegian routes. The system can be added to any standard Rolls-Royce azimuthing thruster – in this case two Azipull thrusters will propel each ferry.

Construction of the Multi Maritime designed vessels will take place at the Kleven owned Myklebust Verft shipyard in Norway, starting in May. The vessels are due for delivery in late 2018 and will begin operation on 1 January 2019. This order follows Rolls-Royce’s first sale of the system to Norwegian ferry company Fjord1 in October.

Rolls-Royce said that it expects to be able to integrate the system into a variant of its Unified Bridge and is looking to test automatic berthing soon.