Crossing into new territory

The two vessels are central to ASKO’s passion for sustainability and for driving business efficiency. It currently has a fleet of some 700 trucks and trailers and aims to become carbon neutral in 2026.

The retail giant has already implemented sustainability initiatives including wind and solar based energy production and the introduction of electric and hydrogen trucks. It has set up a new division, ASKO Maritime, to own and supervise the operation of the two vessels.

The aim, he adds, is to establish a fully electric transport chain with electric sea drones, terminal tractors and 50-ton trucks. ASKO has also ordered 75 electric distribution vehicles and charging stations for all its regional warehouses.

“We’re also planning a large-scale project with the goal of zero emissions in all freight traffic in the Østfold region. This is the area connected to the sea drone port on the east side of the Oslo fjord.”

A NEW APPROACH

Kai explains how the operation will work. “Trailers will be transported to and from the ports by electric trucks and port operation will be done using electric terminal tractors. There will be no trucks or drivers on the crossing – that way, they become more productive. The drivers won’t be loading trailers or spending time on sea crossings.

“At present, alternative transport routes involve driving around the Oslo fjord through the city, going through a tunnel or using a ferry connection. None of these contribute to less road traffic, fewer emissions or robust logistics.”

What, though, about the safety of operating unmanned vessels in a busy waterway? He says he sees no problem. “Of course, there are challenges that need to be solved, but it is expected that the vessels will operate on a manned basis for two years. I’m sure that during that time, it can be proved that autonomous vessels can operate at least as safely as manned ones.”

Kongsberg Maritime is developing systems relating to the vessel capabilities, safe and secure connectivity and the Remote Operation Centre, which will be onshore. The architecture will preserve the integrated solution in a cohesive and saleable way.

Key vessel systems are being tested in operation in other environments. The ASKO Maritime sea drones project is seen as an evolution, not a revolution, with those systems simply being used in a different context. However, the onshore aspect is a new area of activity.

The navigational safety of the vessel operation is clearly a priority and processes need to be automated. Sensors will replace the eyes of the captain and a digital version of the crew will be created. Condition monitoring and health management will be of vital importance to be able to monitor the status of the systems and how they are operating.

Few will doubt that the ASKO Maritime project presents a daunting challenge. However, collaboration between the various partners is close and there is a strong collective will to make it happen.

This is largely because the goals are hugely worthwhile. They go beyond proving that the technology can operate on an unmanned basis. The sea drones will also reduce emissions, lead to safer operations, and ultimately alleviate the logistical challenge ASKO is facing with its transportation routes.

Inevitably, Kongsberg Maritime will also learn from participation in this multi-faceted project. It will raise awareness within the company of technical language, the complexity and the understanding and bring a new and necessary focus on integration.

Collaboration has been smoothed and enhanced by the fact that The team at ASKO have been very clear about what they want to achieve and the expectations they have. The relationship is genuinely a joint one.

Kai Just Olsen also sees this partnership approach as being vital. “It’s crucial for the project. Without good collaboration with Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, it would have been difficult to carry it out. They’ve provided excellent expertise and put together technical solutions that make it feasible.”

ASKO has, he says, further plans to enhance its sustainability credentials and to commission more autonomous sea drones in the future. “The business idea is that ASKO Maritime will be a leading player in the development and provision of zero emission sea transport to provide sustainable and innovative logistics solutions.

“We have emphasised developing a design that will be a standard for future vessels. They can operate as ro-ro or as container vessels. For a longer range, hydrogen-electric can provide an operational alternative.

“We’re excited by the possibilities. Within a competitive transport chain, zero emissions are the goal and achievable. It is important that we in Norway are at the forefront of this and take the opportunity to develop technology solutions that contribute to sustainable logistics.

“Projects like this one are at the forefront and will provide excellent export opportunities for technology, regulations and expertise that need to be used widely in the future,” he says.