Les saken på norsk Trafikverket Färjerederiet and Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB have selected Zeabuz and Metstech to deliver key technologies for the conversion of the road ferry Neptunus. Technology developed in Trondheim by Zeabuz will play a central role in the conversion of the Swedish road ferry Neptunus to battery-hybrid operation. Together with Metstech and Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB, Zeabuz is providing the core autonomy components that will make ferry operations safer, more efficient, and emission-free. Autonomous control for precision and efficiency Zeabuz will supply an autonomous transit system enabling Neptunus to navigate precisely between terminal areas on the Gullmarsleden route in Bohuslän. The system automates acceleration, steering, and positioning, reducing workload for the crew while ensuring stable and predictable operations on one of Sweden’s busiest ferry connections. The solution also enables optimized battery use, improving energy efficiency and operational reliability. The project is part of Trafikverket’s long-term program to modernize and electrify the national ferry fleet by 2045, supporting Sweden’s climate neutrality goals. Integrated autonomy and energy solution Together, Zeabuz, Metstech, and Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB are delivering a complete automation and energy solution to support safer and more efficient operations of Neptunus. Metstech provides the battery system installed on board, enabling the ferry to operate with high energy efficiency and fast, safe charging during turnaround times. The result: reduced downtime and emissions combined with strong operational resilience. Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB is responsible for the conversion and integration of both the energy system and the autonomous technology. The total contract value is SEK 97 million, with the upgrade carried out at Stockholm Repair Yard. “This project shows how autonomy and energy optimization can deliver immediate benefits for public ferry routes. Our technology will help increase safety, improve regularity, and reduce emissions on a very important transport corridor,” says Øyvind Smogeli, CEO & CTO at Zeabuz. Photo: Øyvind Smogeli, CEO & CTO at Zeabuz. Credit: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri Strategic upgrade of a national transport artery Neptunus operates on the Gullmarsleden route between Finnsbo and Skår in Bohuslän, a critical transport corridor in Sweden’s national infrastructure. Upgrading this route represents a major investment in next-generation ferry technology. Trafikverket Färjerederiet operates more than 70 vessels and 41 ferry connections along the Swedish coast. The ferries are an integral part of the country’s road network and are used daily by thousands of travelers. The organization plays a key role in Sweden’s efforts to cut emissions and modernize ferry transport. Se also: Zeabuz expands into defense and security with new dual-use autonomy platform About the companies Zeabuz develops world-leading autonomous navigation solutions for the maritime sector, including autonomous control, positioning, and remote monitoring of vessels. The company was behind the world’s first autonomous passenger ferries and today delivers solutions across multiple vessel segments. Zeabuz is a member of Ocean Autonomy Cluster and an incubator company in Ocean Space Incubator. The company is now also joining the NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster. The Neptunus project marks another step in Zeabuz’s efforts to develop and commercialize autonomous solutions for maritime transport. Metstech delivers advanced electrical and automated solutions for ships and offshore installations, with a strong focus on energy storage, propulsion, and integrated energy systems for both newbuilds and retrofits. Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB is a leading Swedish shipyard with extensive experience in vessel maintenance, repair, and conversion. The yard provides complete upgrade and integration projects for both commercial and public clients. Contact: www.zeabuz.com
Les saken på norsk Norwegian Electric Systems partners with SentiSystems to develop Autonomous Zero-Emission ferries operating in Sognefjorden, Norway. Lavik–Oppedal will become world’s first autonomous ferry connection. 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. These vessels will begin operating the Lavik–Oppedal crossing on the northwest coast of Norway from fall 2026. World’s First Autonomous Ferry Connection 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. This project contributes to Norway's ambitious goals for greener and more efficient maritime transport. 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. As a result, Lavik–Oppedal will become the world’s first autonomous ferry connection. Illustration: Norwegian Electric Systems/HAV Group. A strategic partnership to drive maritime autonomy 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. Fredrik Leira CTO and Arne Kjørsvik CEO in SentiSystems. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster SentiSystems will develop and implement its sensor fusion technology from their headquarters in Trondheim. This advanced system integrates data from multiple sensors to create a comprehensive, real-time picture of the vessels' surroundings. This capability helps avoid potential hazards, ensures smooth docking, and manages dynamic maritime conditions. It is critical for autonomous ferries to maintain positional accuracy, even in scenarios where GPS signals are disturbed or lost, and understand their surroundings, which is a core contribution of SentiSystems in this partnership. The technology developed by SentiSystems is based on more than 10 years of research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The next phase in Autonomous Innovation 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. A commitment to sustainability and safety The partnership between NES and SentiSystems reflects a shared commitment to maritime innovation, environmental responsibility, efficiency and safety. As part of the broader zero-emission initiative, this project aligns with Norway’s national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and advancing autonomous technology in maritime operations. 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. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster About SentiSystems SentiSystems is a technology company based in Trondheim, Norway specializing in sensor fusion technology for robots and autonomous systems. Built on research from NTNU, they provide solutions that enhance precision, safety, and efficiency in advanced robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles. The company's technology enables accurate positioning even without GPS, giving systems a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings. Would you like to know more? Contact Arne Kjørsvik CEO, SentiSystems Cell: +47 932 02 013 e-mail: arne.kjorsvik@sentisystems.com web: www.sentisystems.com in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnekjorsvik/