Cochin Shipyard Limited Signs Agreement to Build Fully Automatic Electric Vessel for Norway Firm

Cochin Shipyard Limited created history by signing a contract to build the world’s first fully automatic electric vessels for ASKO Maritime AS, Norway with an option to construct two more identical vessels. This order was received by CSL after competing with various global players. ASKO Maritime AS is the subsidiary group of Norges Gruppen ASA, one of the prominent players in the retail business segment in Norway.

Highlights of the Project

• The project is partly funded by the Norway Government and the aim is to ensure emission-free transport of goods across the Oslo fjord.
• The vessels will be managed by Massterly AS, the first such company set up to take technical management and also operate the autonomous vessels. This is a joint venture between Kongsberg, the world leader in autonomous technology and Wilhelmsen, one of the largest players in the maritime shipping segment.
• These vessels are expected to create a new milestone for the merchant shipping world in the field of Autonomous Vessels with no carbon emission.
• The vessels will be 67 m long and they will be delivered as a Full-Electric Transport Ferry. The vessels are powered by 1846 kWh capacity battery.
• After commissioning of the autonomous equipment and field trials conducted in Norway, these vessels will operate as fully autonomous ferry of ASKO and will transport fully loaded standard EU trailers in one go.
• These vessels have been designed by Naval Dynamics, Norway using Kongsberg Maritime Systems and the detailed engineering has been designed by CSL.

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)

CSL is the largest commercial shipbuilder in India. It is the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in the country and is part of the maritime facilities in the city of Kochi in Kerala. This is owned by the Government of India and has been accorded Miniratna status by the government. Incorporated in 1972, the shipyard started functioning in 1982. The shipyard is also credited with building the first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy, known as INS Vikrant. Also, it is already constructing electric vessels for the Kochi Water Metro Project.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020