Norwegian Electric Systems partners with SentiSystems to develop Autonomous Zero-Emission ferries

Norwegian Electric Systems AS (NES), a subsidiary of HAV Group, has selected SentiSystems, based in Trondheim, as its development partner to enhance and strengthen the autonomous navigation systems and situational awareness for four zero-emission ferries. The four new zero-emission ferries are designed for autonomous operation on the 5.6-kilometer Lavik–Oppedal ferry route, which crosses the Sognefjord from Lavik in Høyanger municipality to Ytre Oppedal in Gulen municipality. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, and the ferries will be in operation from September 1, 2026.

The ferries are currently under development and will operate with autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions, replacing manual operations. The implementation of automation features and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking, will take place in 2027, while autonomous navigation is expected to be introduced in 2028.

NES will as part of a large equipment delivery and system integration contract supply technology for automated operations and autonomous navigation for the vessels. SentiSystems will work closely with NES to develop sensor fusion to enable smooth handling of local and global navigation to secure the situational awareness even in GNSS denied situations, utilizing their proprietary SentiNAV technology.

🎤 Arne Kjørsvik, CEO at SentiSystems, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This is an exciting opportunity for us at SentiSystems and an important collaboration where we will contribute with our technology. This project is not only an important contract for us, but also a major step toward creating a more reliable and robust autonomous solution for the global maritime industry.”

🎤 Frederik Leira, CTO of SentiSystems, highlighted the importance of sensor fusion in autonomous systems: “By leveraging sensor fusion in autonomous vessels, we enable enhanced perception, situational awareness, and improved positioning precision and accuracy, all of which are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of these ferries.”

Senti Systems is member of Ocean Autonomy Cluster and FI Ocean Space Incubator.

🎤 “It’s great to see that more and more members of OAC are becoming suppliers of components and new technology in major projects,” says cluster leader Frode Halvorsen of Ocean Autonomy Cluster.

The collaboration between GCE Blue Maritime Cluster member Norwegian Electric Systems and Ocean Autonomy Cluster member SentiSystems demonstrates valuable synergies in line with the MIDAS project’s goal to advance autonomous maritime technology as a future Norwegian export industry.

📃📷 Source: Ocean Autonomy Cluster