R&D PROJECT

FAST - Flexible Autonomous Smart Transport

Project period: 2020 - 2021

Transferring goods from road to sea and rail is critical to more sustainable logistics. Maritime transport is the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly form of transport, but still - most goods are transported by car nationally. If we transfer all types of goods from road to sea to a greater extent, it will help to a large extent to reduce emissions, queues, accidents, and road wear. 

In a land of fjords, a long coastline, and many ferries, can a modular, autonomous, and flexible barge system at sea outperform the truck in the future?

Freight traffic is expected to grow by 290 million tonnes by 2050, with forecasts of 1.5% annual growth in total freight flows in Norway, including a fivefold increase in aquaculture. 80 % of the goods will come by road.

The FAST project aims to present a new and cost-effective transport solution based on autonomous/remote-controlled/low-manned vessels and smart systems. 

Flexible
-different types of goods can be easily combined - barges can be used as a storage point - loading takes place without tying up the vessel - modular and scalable as needed
Autonomous
- degrees of autonomy/remote control reduce operating costs - reduced staffing needs and costs - reduced fuel consumption and environmental footprint - enables increased continuity and load frequency
Smart
- digital systems for joint operation and logistics reduce CAPEX and OPEX, and optimize the transport system - parts of the load that can be used for propulsion (biogas/hybrid)
Transport
- transport needs for various goods

FAST

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