Marius Knutsen

Integrating waterborne transport to urban mobility hubs 

Integrating waterborne transport to urban mobility hubs 

As new low and zero-emission technologies for passenger transport become available, a new question arises: How do we integrate them to urban mobility systems?  

The TrAM project gathered leading experts from around the world to address the planning and operation of mobility hubs as a component of sustainable and user-oriented mobility in cities. Resulting of ambitious climate targets and a need for more sustainable transport, the number of electric ferries such as “Medstraum” are expected to rise. In this hybrid event project partners and other stakeholders addressed the planning and operating of such mobility hubs from an international perspective.    

The conference was opened by representatives from Kolumbus, the Stavanger-based mobility provider and operator of “Medstraum”. Participating in innovation projects such as TrAM has proved valuable for the continuous development of their mobility offer to passengers all over Rogaland County – and aligns with the regional strategy to achieve emission-free public transport.  

To highlight ship transport as an integral part of future mobility, the conference was continued by Steinar Meling, CEO of Yago and Project Manager at Nordic Edge. Shifting the focus from a regional perspective, he elaborated on growing trends for all urban environments. Especially “ACES” technologies are expected to grow popular over the coming years; autonomous, connected, electric, and shared.  

Following the broader perspective on how to integrate water into land mobility, four representatives from different European and American cities gave examples from their hometowns. They described what challenges and solutions they came across when developing their urban mobility systems, with a special focus on integrating waterborne transport. Both user acceptance, standardization, and “must-haves” for seamless configuration of intermodal mobility hubs were debated. Experiences from Stavanger, London, Kiel, and New York City were shared with the audience, who also had the chance to question all four speakers.  

The conference was rounded off by a panel discussion with the city representatives. Here they got into the detail of what are the most important criteria for planning a mobility hub, and what government incentives must be in place to do so. The question of whether and when we will see fully autonomous passenger vessels was asked in the end; with answers ranging from very soon to not so much.  

For a full view of the presentations and the panel discussion, check out the recording.

Integrating waterborne transport to urban mobility hubs 

As new low and zero emission technologies for passenger transport become available, a new question arises: How do we integrate them to the urban mobility systems?  

The TrAM project gathered leading experts from around the world to address planning and operation of mobility hubs as a component of sustainable and user-oriented mobility in cities. Resulting from ambitious climate targets and a need for more sustainable transport, the number of electric ferries such as “Medstraum” are expected to rise. In this hybrid event project partners and other stakeholders addressed the planning and operating of such mobility hubs from an international perspective.    

The conference was opened by representatives from Kolumbus, the Stavanger based mobility provider and operator of “Medstraum”. Participating in innovation projects such as TrAM has proved valuable for the continuous development of their mobility offer to passengers all over Rogaland County – and aligns with the regional strategy to achieve emission free public transport.  

To highlight ship transport as an integral part of future mobility, the conference was continued by Steinar Meling, CEO of Yago and Project Manager at Nordic Edge. Shifting the focus from a regional perspective, he elaborated on growing trends for all urban environments. Especially “ACES” technologies are expected to grow popular over the coming years; autonomous, connected, electric and shared. It will therefore be important to consider these when planning a mobility hub. Fabian Edel, Innovation Design Expert from Fraunhofer and project partner, adds to the question of designing the hubs:  

In general, communication is key when designing a mobility hub. That way, best practices, general recommendation on must-have, nice-to-have-services as well as technical requirements can be taught to mobility planners around Europe. Not only does that help show the problems occurring during the planning phase, but also ensures that the most important aspects are taken into account.” 

Following the broader perspective on how to integrate the water to land mobility, four representatives from different European and American cities gave examples from their hometowns. They described what challenges and solutions they came across when developing their urban mobility systems, with a special focus on integrating waterborne transport. Both user acceptance, standardization, and “must-haves” for seamless configuration of intermodal mobility hubs were debated. Experiences from Stavanger, London, Kiel and New York City were shared with the audience, who also had the chance to question all four speakers.  

A big task we have in the TrAM-project is to make it viable and replicable for other cities in Europe. As every location is different, it is important to design a mobility interface that is specifically adapted to the conditions at hand. Nevertheless, certain methodological and modular practices can be applied, to make smart city planning more efficient, says Fabian Edel. 

The conference was rounded of by a panel discussion with the city representatives. Here they got into detail of what are the most important criteria for planning a mobility hub, and what government incentives must be in place to do so. The question of whether and when we will see fully autonomous passenger vessels was asked in the end; with answers ranging from very soon to not so much.  

For a full view of the presentations and the panel discussion, check out the recording. 

 

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
World´s first fully electric fast ferry named

World´s first fully electric fast ferry named

– Medstraum is a shining example of what we can achieve with good cooperation and innovation, said Norwegian Minister of Transport, Jon-Ivar Nygård.

The Norwegian Minister of Transport opened the naming ceremony of the TrAM project vessel Medstraum´s in Stavanger, Thursday.

Project partners, distinguished guests from the EU and key players from the global maritime sector, were all invited to take part in the ceremony.

­– I would like to pay great tribute to Maritime CleanTech as the prime mover in a Norwegian competence environment, which is a leader in the green maritime industry. I would also like to say a big thank you to the mobility company Kolumbus, which has ventured out on this journey and set the course towards zero-emissions for fast moving passenger vessels, Nygård said.

In his opening speech, the Minister also pointed out the importance of Rogaland County’s involvement and support of the innovative project.  

After a high-level seminar, the participants moved to Skagenkaien. Here the Rogaland County Mayor Marianne Chesak did the honors of naming the vessel.

– I am very proud to be the godmother of Medstraum, and I will remember this day for the rest of my life, Chesak said.

She preceded to highlight the project as the marking of a new and greener future for shipping.

In a symposium earlier this day, the County Mayor and Godmother addressed international guests from The European Union, Canada, and Scotland. The Minister of Transport was also present, along with both local and regional politicians, representatives from the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), The Norwegian Confederation of Business (NHO), partners and other excited participants.

After her naming ceremony, Medstraum did several trial trips with the public.

When starting her route for Kolumbus, the fast ferry will transport passengers between Stavanger and the city islands. Replacing the traditional fossil fueled fast ferry on this route, Medstraum will reduce CO2-emissions equivalent to 30 busses each year.

– Medstraum is already stirring great interest internationally. The maritime industry across the world is now looking at what we achieve in our maritime cluster. This could really be the start of a new adventure for our industry.  Not only have the project partners developed and demonstrated a new and emission-free propulsion system that can maintain higher speeds than before, but we have also adopted completely new modular design- and construction methods that will revolutionise the way we build boats in the future, says Håvard Tvedte, Head of Communications and Public Affairs of Maritime CleanTech, the cluster organisation who initiated the EU-funded TrAM-project.

Whilst the vessel was put on the sea earlier this year, the project has been long in the making.

The partner discussions started back in 2016, and two years later 13 European partners were awarded funding from the EU H2020 program. The vessel construction began last spring, at Fjellstrand Yard in Hardanger. At 31 meters long and nine meters wide, Medstraum can carry approximately 150 passengers. Fitted with two electrical engines and a battery with 1,5 MWh capacity she is designed for a service speed of 23 knots. Made for sustainable, soundless, and smooth sailing, the vessel was given the very suitable Norwegian name Medstraum.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
HSVA studies prove Medstraum´s unique efficiency

HSVA studies prove Medstraum´s unique efficiency

Pictured: Torleif Stokke (Servogear), Yan Xing-Kaeding (HSVA) and Geroge N. Zaraphonitis (NTUA) and the other project partners met in Athens last week.

HSVA is one of the 13 partners in the EU-funded TrAM project. Preparing the design and the construction start of the world´s first zero-emission fast ferry, HSVA carried out extensive numerical and experimental studies of the hull and the propulsion system. 

–  An essential constraint for the success of the TrAM project is that the developed pure electric-powered vessel should be a high-speed zero-emission passenger vessel, and competitive in terms of offered services to conventional vessels. It´s crucial that the vessel has a very low environmental footprint and sustainable life-cycle cost, says Senior Researcher and Project Manager at HSVA, Dr.-Ing. Yan Xing-Kaeding. 

Super-efficient design
HSVA is responsible for the hydrodynamic design of the Stavanger demonstrator vessel, Medstraum, in collaboration with NTUA and Servogear. Numerous numerical and experimental studies have been carried out to ensure the vessel’s efficiency, and that Medstraum meets environmental concerns and regulations.  

– To achieve high speeds for any type of vessel, it´s vitally important to conduct a hydrodynamic optimization of the ship’s hull form, and its propulsion systems. Even more for fast-going catamarans. The very high achieved propulsive efficiency on Medstraum, of about 80%, is an essential characteristic for the feasibility of the vessel´s concept. This is because of the design constraint set by the weight of the batteries being the only source of the onboard energy, says Xing-Kaeding. 

The studies were performed at HSVAs towing tank in Hamburg, Germany. The 300 meters long tank is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Extensive studies
Together with project partner National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), HSVA has analyzed 1.000 different hull forms utilizing a considerable amount of computer resources. Parameters such as ship’s dimension, hull form, resistance, radiated waves, required powering, and many more, were thoroughly investigated to ensure Medstraum became as efficient as possible. Project partner Servogear developed the Medstraum’s propulsion system and initial aft ship hull form with their in-house propeller tunnel design, and the joint optimization of its interaction with the vessel’s hull form showed a superior propulsive efficiency, more than 10 percent, compared to other best-performing propulsion systems.   

After performing numerous simulations of the different hull variations and propulsive arrangements, the final hull form and the propulsive system were verified by calm water resistance and self-propulsion tests at HSVA’s large towing tank in Hamburg.   

A 5.34-meter-long catamaran model (scale 1:5.6), fully equipped with propellers, shafts, brackets and rudders, was made to enable a firm prediction of the speed-power performance of the full-scale ship under trial conditions.   

– It was verified that the propulsive efficiency of the optimized catamaran reached about 80% at the design speed, which is a remarkable result! Achieved results allowed the operator and the shipyard to proceed to the final selection of battery capacity and electric motors’ power for the desired speed profile of the Stavanger demonstrator, Xing-Kaeding, says. 

– The tests done at HSVA were crucial for the TrAM project. The achieved vessel’s superior hydrodynamic results are the merit of several of the project partners, but the experimental verification provided by HSVA has helped us confirm Medstraum as a very energy-efficient vessel, says Project Manager Mikal Dahle of Kolumbus. 

About the TrAM project
The TrAM consortium includes 13 European partners and is coordinated by Rogaland City Council (NO) through its independent mobility services company Kolumbus (NO) which will also own and operate the demonstration vessel. The demonstrator is designed and will be built by Fjellstrand shipyard (NO) with an energy system provided by Wärtsilä (NO) and a propulsion system by Servogear (NO). Vessel modules will be delivered by Leirvik (NO) with aluminum supplied by Hydro Extrusion Norway (NO). Fraunhofer (D) leads the work in adapting modularity models from the automotive and aviation industry to the needs of the maritime industry, in addition to smart city integration. University of Strathclyde (UK), National Technical University of Athens (GR), and HSVA (D) are consortium members responsible for R&D, simulation, and testing. Dissemination activities are provided by NCE Maritime CleanTech (NO) and owners of the replicator cases are Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UK) and De Vlamsee Waterveg NV (B). 

The TrAM H2020 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
This is what modularization looks like!

This is what modularization looks like!

TrAM project reaches new important milestone as the wheelhouse and passenger module set sails from Leirvik yard to Fjellstrand yard.

TrAM project partner Leirvik started to work on the wheelhouse and passenger module in May. Tuesday both modules were finalized and shipped from Stord to Fjellstrand yard´s headquarters in Omastrand. Here, the modules will be installed on the hull.

– Leirvik aims to be a significant contributor to the green shift. That is why the TrAM project is a good opportunity for us to show how our experience, built up through many deliverables to the oil and gas sector, can be valuable for new green solutions. The project also gives us the opportunity to collaborate with other partners, to find better solutions for the climate challenges ahead, says Leirvik´s project leader Alfred Gregersen.

Supervisor Kurt Westerheim and project leader Alfred Gregersen (both from Leirvik AS).

Lighter than usual

Even though Leirvik is experts within aluminum structures, they had to use all their skills in the production of the Medstraum modules.

– Usually, we make much thicker structures. When constructing a fast ferry, it is crucial to keep the weight as low as possible. Where we usually produce structures up to 80 millimeters thick, parts on Medstraum are as thin as 2 millimeters. That makes the whole process much more delicate. This has been an exciting learning experience for us, Gregersen says.

Prepared for transport, the passenger and wheelhouse module for Medstraum weighed in at only 8,245 kilograms.

Parts of the vessel are also welded using high-tech robots.

– Robot welding is something we believe in. We have chosen to use robots in production as an important step towards new green markets. Getting better at automation will be an important pillar in the green transition we are now going through, says CEO at Leirvik AS, Helge Gjøsæter.

First modularized vessel

TrAM is also revolutionary in terms of simplified design and manufacturing of the future vessels, drawing on Fraunhofer IEM’s experiences in modular production techniques from the car and aviation industries. Using advanced modularization, the project aims to lower production costs and engineering hours for electric fast ferries by 25% and 70%, respectively, which will significantly enhance their competitiveness.

Simply put, modularization is a design-phase concept for handling internal complexity while allowing for external variety. Modular architecture enables individual modules to be combined so that subsequent vessels can be adapted to specific customer requirements. Reusing modules also allows for faster development and production.

– Increased automation, more efficient use of materials, shorter construction time and lower labour costs together represent a new chapter in shipbuilding while increasing the competitiveness of all stakeholders,” says TrAM Project Manager Mikal Dahle at Kolumbus.

Medstraum will operate a multi-stop commuter route into Stavanger, Norway for public transport company Kolumbus from 2022. The vessel has been designed for a service speed of 23 knots

About the TrAM project

The TrAM consortium includes 13 European partners, and is coordinated by Rogaland City Council (NO) through its independent mobility services company Kolumbus (NO) which will also own and operate the demonstrator vessel. The demonstrator is designed and will be built by Fjellstrand shipyard (NO) with energy system provided by Wärtsilä (NO) and propulsion system by Servogear (NO). Vessel modules will be delivered by Leirvik (NO) with aluminium supplied by Hydro Extrusion Norway (NO). Fraunhofer (D) leads the work in adapting modularity models from the automotive and aviation industry to the needs of the maritime industry, in addition to smart city integration. University of Strathclyde (UK), National Technical University of Athens (GR) and HSVA (D) are consortium members responsible for R&D, simulation and testing. Dissemination activities are provided by NCE Maritime CleanTech (NO) and owners of the replicator cases are Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UK) and De Vlamsee Waterveg NV (B). 

The TrAM H2020 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
Servogear innovations secure significant efficiency gain

Servogear innovations secure significant efficiency gain

At Servogear, located on the west coast of Norway, innovative propulsion systems have been made for nearly fifty years. 

Now the company counting 50 employees, has taken on one of its greatest challenges so far, making the complete propulsion system for the EU-funded TrAM project vessel Medstraum.

– The two most crucial things when you are optimizing the propulsion system for a high-speed vessel, is to have the efficiency as high as possible and to reduce the weight of the vessel, says Business Development Manager at Servogear, Torleif Stokke. 

The production of the propulsion system is nearly completed. Soon it will be shipped to Fjellstrand yard where it will be installed on Medstraum.

Green revolution

– The TrAM project has helped Servogear to develop two new innovations: A new generic propeller series named the E-flow propeller, and a carbon fiber reinforced propeller brackets. We have been astonished by the extreme increase of efficiency on which we can gain from these two innovations. We have seen efficiency increase by over 20 percent, compared to a traditional propulsion system. And the weight of the propulsion system is also reduced by 15 percent, compared to a standard system, says Stokke.

He is glad Servogear decided to join the 12 other partners in the TrAM consortium.

– It has been a great success for us to be a part of this big EU project, developing the world´s first fully electric passenger fast ferry. We have learned a lot, and I think we have also added value to the other partners, says Stokke.

About the TrAM project

The TrAM consortium includes 13 European partners and is coordinated by Rogaland City Council (NO) through its independent mobility services company Kolumbus (NO) which will also own and operate the demonstration vessel. The demonstrator is designed and will be built by Fjellstrand shipyard (NO) with an energy system provided by Wärtsilä (NO) and a propulsion system by Servogear (NO). Vessel modules will be delivered by Leirvik (NO) with aluminum supplied by Hydro Extrusion Norway (NO). Fraunhofer (D) leads the work in adapting modularity models from the automotive and aviation industry to the needs of the maritime industry, in addition to smart city integration. University of Strathclyde (UK), National Technical University of Athens (GR), and HSVA (D) are consortium members responsible for R&D, simulation, and testing. Dissemination activities are provided by NCE Maritime CleanTech (NO) and owners of the replicator cases are Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UK) and De Vlamsee Waterveg NV (B). The TrAM H2020 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
Construction kicks off on world’s first  zero-emission fast ferry

Construction kicks off on world’s first zero-emission fast ferry

Equipped to carry around 150 passengers, the catamaran vessel will be 31 metres long with a nine-metre beam. It will be equipped with two electric motors and a 1.5MWh capacity battery with charging power of more than 2MW. This will be the world’s first fully electric and zero emission fast ferry classed in accordance with the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Crafts (HSC Code). As the TrAM project’s demonstrator vessel, it will begin a trial passenger service between the city of Stavanger and surrounding communities and islands in spring 2022 to test and validate the project findings. The vessel has been designed for a service speed of 23 knots and has been named Medstraum (literally ‘with electricity’ and ‘co-current‘ in Norwegian).

The TrAM project was initiated by industry cluster organization NCE Maritime CleanTech and is being coordinated by Kolumbus, the independent mobility services arm of Rogaland County Council. “TrAM’s overall aim is to develop new modular methods for the design and production of zero-emission fast ferries for inshore passenger transport, in order to reduce investment costs and delivery time,” said project manager Mikal Dahle of Kolumbus.

Emissions reduction goals

The zero-emission aspect is the main driver for Kolumbus as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the footprint of its public transport assets. Rogaland County Council has itself committed NOK 68m in co-funding for the vessel. “Rogaland County Council has a strategy to drastically lower emissions for all ferry routes. The TrAM project showcases what is possible for future public transport – with no noise or emissions to the environment”, said Rogaland County mayor Marianne Chesak.

The TrAM project scope also includes the development of two further ‘replicator’ vessels, one for passenger operations on the River Thames in London and the other for deployment on inland waterways in Belgium.

Collaborative design

The project partners have worked hard to optimize the design of the Medstraum and the hydrodynamic performance of the hull. Both the hull and superstructure will be built in aluminium, which in addition to low weight for lower energy consumption contributes to the circular economy as it is easy to recycle.

Project leader Mikal Dahle (Kolumbus), Rogaland County Mayor Marianne Chesak and Edmund Tolo (R&D/Sales Manager Fjellstrand Yard). Photo: Maritime CleanTech

Modularized design approach

TrAM is also revolutionary in terms of simplified design and manufacturing of the future vessels, drawing on Fraunhofer IEM’s experiences in modular production techniques from the car and aviation industries. Using advanced modularisation, the project aims to lower production costs and engineering hours for electric fast ferries by 25% and 70%, respectively, which will significantly enhance their competitiveness.

Simply put, modularisation is a design-phase concept for handling internal complexity while allowing for external variety. Modular architecture enables individual modules to be combined so that subsequent vessels can be adapted to specific customer requirements. Reusing modules also allows for faster development and production.

“Increased automation, more efficient use of materials, shorter construction time and lower labour costs together represent a new chapter in shipbuilding while increasing the competitiveness of all stakeholders,” said Dahle.

Reinvigorating waterways as transport medium

Hege Økland, CEO of NCE Maritime CleanTech, emphasizes that electric-powered high-speed vessels are highly relevant for urban areas all over the world. “Streamlined manufacturing is a very important factor as it increases the attractiveness of such vessels in terms of cost and footprint. In addition to their green credentials, they also support the renewed use of inshore waterways in Europe for freight and passenger transport,” she said

Backed by the EU

The TrAM project started in 2018 and has secured EUR 11.7m in funding from the European Union’s Horizon2020 research and innovation programme, one of the largest amounts ever awarded to a single project. The project has also received funding for dissemination activities from the Research Council of Norway.

About the TrAM project

The TrAM consortium includes 13 European partners, and is coordinated by Rogaland City Council (NO) through its independent mobility services company Kolumbus (NO) which will also own and operate the demonstrator vessel. The demonstrator is designed and will be built by Fjellstrand shipyard (NO) with energy system provided by Wärtsilä (NO) and propulsion system by Servogear (NO). Vessel modules will be delivered by Leirvik (NO) with aluminium supplied by Hydro Extrusion Norway (NO). Fraunhofer (D) leads the work in adapting modularity models from the automotive and aviation industry to the needs of the maritime industry, in addition to smart city integration. University of Strathclyde (UK), National Technical University of Athens (GR) and HSVA (D) are consortium members responsible for R&D, simulation and testing. Dissemination activities are provided by NCE Maritime CleanTech (NO) and owners of the replicator cases are Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UK) and De Vlamsee Waterveg NV (B). 

The TrAM H2020 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
World´s first zero emission fast ferry has been named

World´s first zero emission fast ferry has been named

The EU funded TrAM project are sailing co current. As construction start is closing in, the name of the world´s first zero emission fast ferry is revealed.

– Medstraum is an all-Norwegian, down to earth name with multiple layers to it. Medstraum means co current. The name stands out compared to common vessel names, just as the vessel will stand out compared to traditional fast ferries, says TrAM Project Manager Mikal Dahle of Kolumbus.

The Stavanger demonstrator will operate a multi-stop commuter route into Stavanger, Norway for public transport company Kolumbus from 2022.

– This boat is powered by electricity, which the name is underlining. In Norwegian “Med” means with, and “straum” means electricity, says Sales Manager at Fjellstrand, Edmund Tolo.

– We believe the vessel name is both bold and ambitious, just as the project. The name has a good amount of propulsion and drive in it. And last but not least, the TrAM project aims to make pathway and create a good co current (Medstraum) for future innovative and sustainable solutions, Dahle says.

The TrAM project has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
TrAM project closes in on construction start

TrAM project closes in on construction start

The construction start for the Stavanger demonstrator vessel is just around the corner. Project partner Leirvik has extensive experience within engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) deliveries of aluminium living quarters for oil and gas platforms. During the last 40 years, the company has designed and constructed almost all offshore hotels on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Now, the yard located in Stord, Norway is eager to use its experience in the maritime industry and the development of a modularized fast ferry.

– We have valuable experience in developing different modularized structures in aluminum. We believe our competence will be important in finalizing the EU funded TrAM project, Head of Technology and Digitalization at Leirvik, Morten Bjelland, says.

Eager to start

In TrAM Leirvik is responsible for delivering the wheelhouse module and the passenger module for the Stavanger demonstrator vessel. The idea is that the modules developed can be used across different vessel sizes and operational modes. Construction will start at Leirvik´s yard in May this year.

– A modularized design approach is a new chapter in the maritime sector. Modularization presupposes that one thinks standardization within given limits. When something is standardized, it’s easier to develop a more automated design and production process. This contributes to an increased competitiveness and could help keep both construction time and prices low for similar vessel builds in the future. Leirvik is a proud partner in the writing of this new chapter, Bjelland says.

Morten Bjelland, Business Developer, New Markets for Leirvik, Alfred Gregersen, Fabrication manager for Leirvik in TrAM and Frank Hauvik, Project manager for Leirvik TrAM. Photo: LEIRVIK

The wheelhouse and passenger module will be built by using salt water-resistant aluminum. This eliminates the need for surface treatment and future maintenance, because aluminum does not rust. At the same time aluminum, with its low weight, will make a positive contribution in relation to energy consumption versus propulsion.

Proud partner

– Leirvik aims to be a significant contributor to the green shift. That is why the TrAM project is a good opportunity for us to show how our experience, built up through many deliverables to the oil and gas sector, can be valuable for new green solutions. The project also gives us the opportunity to collaborate together with other partners, to find better solutions for the climate challenges ahead, Bjelland says.

The TrAM project has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 769303.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
Kolumbus and Fjellstrand sign contract for construction of world’s first fully electrical fast ferry

Kolumbus and Fjellstrand sign contract for construction of world’s first fully electrical fast ferry

The TrAM project (Transport – Advanced and Modular), led by Kolumbus, receives economical support from EU’s Horizon 2020 program to develop new methods for design and production of zero emissions passenger vessels. The project’s goal is to reduce investment costs and delivery time for future zero emission vessels for inshore passenger transport.

The politicians of Rogaland county council have decided to partially finance the construction of this electrical fast ferry, intended to validate the methods developed by the TrAM project. During 2022, the vessel will commence the service of Kolumbus’ route from the city of Stavanger to Byøyene and Hommersåk in a test period.

There are about ten vessels that operate the fast-ferry routes for Kolumbus today. The carbon dioxide emissions from these vessels equal the emissions from all 450 buses that operate Kolumbus’ bus routes in Rogaland. This shows the importance of succeeding in the development of zero emission technology for fast ferries to achieve substantial reductions in emissions from public transport.

The contract between Kolumbus and Fjellstrand was signed this summer, and the construction of the fast ferry will start in May 2021.

Communications Manager of Kolumbus, Grethe Skundberg, says: – Electrifying fast ferries, with speeds between 20 and 30 knots, is challenging. These vessels are energy demanding, and electrification is only possible through good cooperation between strong technology partners. The contract with Fjellstrand, and the good partnership with other technology partners associated with the maritime cluster NCE Maritime Cleantech (Leirvik, Wärtsilä, Servogear and Hydro) make us confident that the development work will succeed.

The vessel will be built in aluminium, a robust material that is easy to recycle, in addition to having low weight.

– We are proud to deliver the world’s first fully electrical fast ferry with zero emissions. The project is yet another example of the Norwegian maritime industry’s global leader position within the development of green technology for the maritime industry, says Sales Manager at Fjellstrand, Edmund Tolo.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 769303

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter
Ensuring efficiency and safety in electric vessels

Ensuring efficiency and safety in electric vessels

As a result of ambitious climate targets and the need for more sustainable transport solutions in cities around the world the number of electric ferries and fast ferries is expected to grow rapidly in the years to come. Developments within battery technology have been vast within recent years, and ensuring efficiency and safety are key parts of the development work.

In the webinar experts also gave an introduction to the new rules for the use of batteries in maritime applications taking effect from July 1st this summer.

NCE Maritime CleanTech´s Director of Public Affairs, Marie Launes, hosted the webinar. Here are the presentations:

Watch the full webinar here:

The TrAM H2020 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 769303.

We will ad the questions from the Q&A as soon as the questions are answered.

Posted by Marius Knutsen in Nyheter