Cochin Shipyard wins Contract for construction of autonomous electric vessels Norwegian client, Asko Maritime

The state-owned Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi has signed a contract to construct and supply of two autonomous electric ferries for Norway's ASKO Maritime AS with an option to build two more identical vessels. The company, however, did not disclose the value of the contract.

This project is expected to catapult CSL into the league of premier Shipbuilding yards in the world capable of handling high tech vessel construction.

ASKO Maritime AS is a subsidiary of NorgesGruppen ASA, one of the largest players in the Norwegian retail segment. CSL is the largest commercial shipbuilder in India.

This Autonomous Electrical vessel project is an ambitious project in Norway, which is partially funded by the Norwegian Government. It aims at emission-free transport of goods across the Oslo fjord. These vessels will be managed by M/s. Massterly AS, the first company set up to take technical management and operate autonomous vessels, a joint venture between M/s. Kongsberg, the world leader in autonomous technology and M/s. Wilhelmsen, one of the largest Maritime shipping companies.

Once in operation, this vessel will create a new benchmark for the merchant shipping world in the field of Autonomous Vessels with Zero Carbon Emission.

The 67 meter long vessels will initially be delivered as a Full-Electric Transport Ferry, powered by 1846 kWh capacity battery. After commissioning of autonomous equipment and field trials in Norway, it will operate as a fully autonomous ferry of ASKO that can transport 16 fully loaded Standard EU trailers in one go across the fjords. The Vessels are designed by Naval Dynamics Norway using Kongsberg Maritime systems, with detailed engineering to be carried out by CSL. They will be built under DNV GL Classification and flagged in Norway.

CSL won this export order after a detailed evaluation of various global shipyards and based on its value proposition to the customer. CSL's proven capability & track record to deliver world quality high-end vessels to prestigious clients in Western Europe also found favour with the Client. CSL holds this Contract, obtained within the current constraints posed by the pandemic, in high significance. CSL is already constructing 23 Hybrid Electric boats for the Kochi Water Metro.