Using its automated dock-to-dock solution, Wärtsilä let the ferry Folgefonn visit all three ports it services fully autonomously.
The tests were conducted in the presence of the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA).
Fully Automated
Once the operator selected the next destination berth, the operation was started by simply selecting “Sail”, which authorises the autonomous controller to take control of the vessel. The ferry was able to leave the dock, manoeuvre out of the harbour, sail to the next port of call, manoeuvre through the harbour entrance, and dock alongside the terminal – all without human intervention. It is believed to be the first ever attempt at fully automated dock-to-dock operation, in complete hands-off mode, for a vessel of this size.
Autonomous Controller, GNSS and Guidance Marine CyScan
Navigation of the vessel is controlled through the use of a series of tracks and waypoints, which guide the ship to the next destination. The autonomous controller, which is based on Wärtsilä’s existing Dynamic Positioning system, controls the vessel’s speed, position on the pre-defined track, and heading. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is used as the primary sensor, while a Wärtsilä Guidance Marine CyScan AS is being tested as a secondary position sensor for the approach to the berth.
Folgefonn
The 85 m long Folgefonn is owned by Norwegian ferry operator Norled. It was also used for the initial testing of the Wärtsilä autodocking solution, which took place in the early part of 2018. The vessel is also equipped with hybrid propulsion with wireless shore connection capable of fully electric operation, and features numerous other Wärtsilä innovations, including its wireless inductive battery charging solution and energy storage systems.
Grants
Innovation Norway, an investment fund, has provided grants to both Wärtsilä and Norled for the testing of the auto-docking technology.
Picture: The ‘Folgefonn’ was operated autonomously for its entire route from dock-to-dock with the Wärtsilä automated dock-to-dock solution.
