Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi signed contracts for construction and supply of Two (2) nos
Autonomous Electric Ferry for ASKO Maritime AS, Norway with an option to build 2 more identical vessels.
2. CSL is the largest commercial shipbuilder in India. The company clinched this prestigious export
order from ASKO Maritime AS, the subsidiary group of Norges Gruppen ASA, one of the largest players in
the Norwegian retail segment.
3. This Autonomous Electrical vessel project is an ambitious project in Norway partially funded by the
Norwegian Government aimed at emission-free transport of goods across the Oslo fjord. These vessels will
be managed by M/s. Massterly AS, the first company setup 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 bench mark for the merchant shipping world in the field of Autonomous Vessels with Zero
Carbon Emission.
4. The 67 Mtr 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.
5. CSL won this export order after 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.
6. This project is expected to catapult CSL into the league of premier Shipbuilding yards in the world
capable of handling high tech vessel construction.