© AgentAkit
© AgentAkit

Manufacturers to develop electric ferry

Finnish company Valmet will supply automation and remote control technology for the E-ferry, a new electric ferry concept.

The order was placed by Electronics manufacturer Visedo Oy, the company responsible for the E-ferry’s electric propulsion system.

Hanna Huppunen, Director of service at Visedo Oy, said: “Valmet’s solution is technically excellent, and the company was able to present strong references. The technology is a good complement to Visedo’s drive train system in the E-ferry.”

John Weierud, director of marine automation at Valmet, added: “Valmet’s goal is to continuously develop advanced automation solutions. These kinds of innovative and environmentally friendly projects motivate us to challenge ourselves in this work.

“Our system provides the ships with high reliability and availability, as well as efficient and safe operation.”

The E-ferry involves the design, building and demonstration of a fully electric-powered “green” ferry that can operate without pollution or CO2 emissions. The project promotes energy-efficient, zero greenhouse gas emissions and air-pollution-free waterborne transportation for island communities, coastal zones and inland waterways in Europe and beyond.

Valmet’s delivery for the E-ferry includes a Valmet DNA integrated automation system (IAS) to cover the control, alarm and monitoring of machinery systems, and a bridge remote control system for the electric propulsion drives and bow thrusters.

The E-ferry has received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.