India’s largest commercial shipbuilder Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has signed a contract to build the world’s first fully automatic electric vessel for ASKO Maritime, Norway. In this regard, CSL will construct and supply two autonomous electric ferries to ASKO Maritime, with an option to build two more identical vessels. The project, partially funded by the Norwegian Government, aimed at emission-free transport of goods across the Oslofjord, inlet in Norway.
- The value of two ships is Rs 125 crore, the cost does not include the value for two optional ships.
- The vessels are designed by Naval Dynamics Norway, using Kongsberg Maritime systems, with detailed engineering to be carried out by CSL. They will be built under DNV GL Classification and flagged in Norway. DNV GL is an international accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Hovik, Norway.
Key Points:
-CSL is already constructing 23 hybrid electric boats for Kochi Water Metro.
-ASKO Maritime AS, the subsidiary group of NorgesGruppen ASA, is one of the largest players in the Norwegian retail segment.
-The 67 meter-long vessels will initially be delivered as a full-electric transport ferry, powered by a 1,846 kWh capacity battery. After commissioning autonomous equipment and field trials in Norway, it will operate as a fully autonomous ferry of ASKO that can transport 16 fully loaded Standard EU (European Union) trailers in one go across the Oslofjords.
Point to be noted:
The vessels will be managed by Massterly AS, the first company set up to take technical management and operate autonomous vessels, a joint venture between autonomous technology leader Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen, which is one of the largest Maritime shipping companies.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)– Madhu S Nair
Headquarter– Cochin, Kerala
About Norway:
Capital– Oslo
Currency– Norwegian krone (NOK)
Prime Minister– Erna Solberg
