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What if a ferry could run quietly through the night, docking with millimetre precision, serving an island community without burning a drop of diesel? We sit down with Erik Froste, CEO of Swedish Road Ferries, to unpack how a state operator is turning that vision into daily reality—one vessel, one route, and one carefully tested software update at a time.

Erik takes us from the captain’s bridge to the control room, explaining why autonomy in maritime isn’t a novelty; it’s an answer to real problems: emissions, safety, and access. Sweden’s Vision 45 pairs electrification with digitalisation, then layers in automation and autonomy to reduce energy use, slash CO2, and make crossings safer than ever with auto-docking, automated mooring, and collision-avoidance systems. The human story shines through: extending 24/7 ferry service can keep elders on their islands, support caregivers at night, and preserve community life—all while navigating a growing shortage of skilled sailors.

We also dive into the operating model behind the technology. Modularity and digital twins ensure every vessel shares a common architecture, updates get validated ashore, and failures don’t cascade across the fleet. Training shifts from diesel engines to battery management systems, high-voltage safety, and data from thousands of sensors. Some captains move into remote operations centres; others lead on-water trials. Along the way, Sweden’s public ownership unlocks openness across Nordic and global partners, accelerating learning with Kongsberg, universities, and peers in Japan and Norway, and providing the evidence regulators need to approve new levels of autonomy.

If you’re curious about autonomous shipping, electric ferries, maritime safety technology, or how public–private collaboration accelerates climate-positive transport, this conversation offers a grounded blueprint. Subscribe, share with a colleague who cares about clean mobility, and leave a review with your biggest question about autonomous ferries—what would you want to see tested next?

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

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Imagine an industry so vital that 90% of everything you touch has traveled on it, yet so traditional that innovation often struggles to find a foothold. This is the maritime world that Caitlin Hardy, founder of Nessie, has dedicated her career to transforming.

From her early days building tiny autonomous sailboats at the US Naval Academy to founding a company that helps startups navigate the complex waters of maritime commerce, Hardy brings a refreshing perspective to one of humanity's oldest trades. "I kept seeing a lot of really amazing technology fail, not because the tech wasn't good, but because they weren't sure how to navigate our industry," she explains, revealing the genesis of her mission to bridge Silicon Valley innovation with seafaring tradition.

Hardy takes us through the fascinating evolution of maritime autonomy, from the Nordic-pioneered dynamic positioning systems of the 1970s to today's cutting-edge unmanned vessels. She challenges common misconceptions about automation, arguing that the goal isn't replacing seafarers but making their jobs safer and more manageable. "We ask so much of seafarers today," she notes, pointing to the increasing demands that connectivity has placed on vessel crews who must simultaneously navigate ships and satisfy shoreside management.

The conversation explores how defense innovation, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has accelerated commercial maritime technology, creating new possibilities for collaboration between startups and established players. Hardy offers valuable insights for maritime decision-makers on evaluating new technologies: "Don't do autonomy just for autonomy's sake. What is the problem that you're trying to fix?"

Whether you're a maritime professional, a tech entrepreneur looking to enter this space, or simply curious about how one of the world's most essential industries is evolving, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of where tradition meets innovation on the high seas. Listen now to discover why, as Hardy puts it, "the opportunity for growth in maritime, as it relates to innovation, is really unlimited."

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

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What does the future of autonomous shipping really look like? Forget the science fiction scenarios of completely unmanned ghost ships navigating the high seas without human oversight. The reality, as revealed by Nils Haktor Bua, head of new maritime technology at the Norwegian Maritime Authority, is far more nuanced and practical.

Norway stands at the forefront of maritime autonomy, pioneering an approach that balances innovation with safety. Bua takes us behind the regulatory curtain, revealing how his department of just seven people is helping shape the future of shipping not just in Norwegian waters but globally through their contributions to the International Maritime Organization's MASS Code (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships).

"We want to be a partner in development," Bua explains, rejecting the traditional regulatory stance of simply saying "no" to unregulated technologies. This progressive approach has enabled groundbreaking projects like Yara Birkeland, the world's first autonomous container ship, to move from concept to reality. The vessel, designed to replace 40,000 diesel truck journeys annually, represents the kind of practical application driving maritime autonomy – solutions to real-world problems rather than technology for technology's sake.

Perhaps most reassuring is Bua's perspective on how autonomy will affect maritime employment. Rather than eliminating jobs, he sees transformation: "I'm not afraid there will not be jobs for seafarers. There will be a lot of jobs." From control room operations to new roles we haven't yet imagined, maritime careers will evolve alongside the technology. Early results are already proving the value of automation, with even basic autonomous functions delivering immediate 5% energy savings before any machine learning optimization.

Curious about the ships navigating Norway's waters today with autonomous capabilities? Listen to discover the fascinating projects already operational and what's coming next in this maritime revolution. Subscribe to Autonomy Journals for more insights into how Norway is turning autonomous ambitions into everyday reality.

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

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Norway's approach to autonomous mobility innovation is driven by curiosity rather than risk-taking, with its harsh winter climate providing the perfect testing environment for developing robust autonomous systems.

• Beta Mobility bridges the gap between startups and established public institutions in the transport sector
• Norway's challenging winter conditions create essential "edge cases" for testing autonomous vehicles
• The broad testing framework in Norway allows for experimentation with various vehicles and use cases
• Transferring costs from private car ownership to public autonomous services remains a key challenge
• Creating compelling mobility experiences is crucial to encourage people to abandon car ownership
• Public transport operators like Ruter are leading autonomous vehicle implementation efforts
• The loss of human communication in traffic (eye contact, gestures) will need technological solutions
• Norway can build an industry around autonomous technology services despite not manufacturing vehicles
• Getting "wheels on the ground" with diverse use cases is essential for advancing autonomous mobility

Autonomy: In Norway we do it. If you like the sound of this, please subscribe to the podcast and follow the Autonomy Journals on Spotify and other channels. We'd love to hear from you. Tell us what you'd love to hear more about around autonomy, because in Norway we do it.

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

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Maritime autonomy operates on a three-dimensional spectrum of self-driving capability, remote operation, and manning levels, representing a crucial solution to the maritime industry's pressing challenges of crew shortages and decarbonization requirements.

• Øyvind Smogeli transitioned from assurance and verification of complex systems at DNV to developing maritime autonomy technology at ZEABUZ
• ZEABUZ focuses on three key principles: scalability, modularity, and trustworthiness in theiritsnomy solutions
• Simulation-based testing is essential as startups cannot afford millions of nautical miles of real-world testing
• The maritime market for autonomy is still immature but maturing quickly, with different segments at varying stages of readiness
• Four key drivers for autonomy: crew shortages, complex vessel technologies requiring new skills, dual-use defence applications, and urban waterway mobility
• Zeebus pivoted from building autonomous ferries to becoming a pure autonomy technology provider
• Projects like MF Estelle in Stockholm demonstrate the practical application of autonomous ferry technology in urban settings
• Hardware quality and design remain crucial challenges that even the best software cannot overcome
• Regulatory frameworks are still developing, with vessels currently operating with conventional manning while awaiting broader regulatory acceptance

Join us again for the next episode of the Autonomy Journals brought to you by SAMS, the Norwegian Innovation Cluster for Autonomous Mobility and Transport Systems. We'd love to hear from you about what you'd like to learn about autonomy, because in Norway, we do it.

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

Send us a text

Norway's maritime sector is taking an extraordinary leap forward as Reach Subsea and Kongsberg Maritime unveil the Reach Remote vessel—the world's first 24-meter uncrewed support vessel for ROVs (remotely operated vessels) now operational in Norwegian waters.

The vessel offers safe, environmentally friendly, cost-effective solutions for global underwater inspections, surveys, and intervention services. This groundbreaking project integrates unmanned surface vessels (USVs) with remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), paving the way for advancements in remote maritime technology, marking a significant milestone in global maritime operations.

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this project? Meet Marthe Kristine Sand, Director USV at Kongsberg Maritime and Bjørg Mathisen Døving VP at Reach Remote.

This revolutionary project shrinks what traditionally required a 120-meter vessel with 50 personnel down to a compact, efficient package that operates with zero humans onboard while performing 90% of the same tasks.

The vessel represents a remarkable fusion of existing technologies repurposed for autonomous operations. From shore-based control centers, qualified captains navigate the vessel while ROV operators conduct underwater missions – all remotely. This approach solves multiple industry challenges simultaneously: reducing emissions by up to 90%, addressing the global seafarer shortage, deploying human expertise more efficiently, and dramatically cutting operational costs.

What makes this story particularly compelling is how it illuminates Norway's practical approach to autonomy. Rather than seeking to create entirely new technologies, Reach and Kongsberg integrated proven systems into a novel configuration, working collaboratively with regulatory authorities to establish frameworks for safe operation. Their pioneering efforts have already triggered international cooperation, with seven European nations now agreeing to recognize Norwegian certification for these vessels.

The implications extend far beyond this single vessel. Reach Remote signals the birth of an entirely new market segment for mid-sized uncrewed vessels serving offshore energy, infrastructure inspection, and maritime security needs. Perhaps most fascinating is how this technology might transform maritime careers – creating opportunities for digital natives whose gaming skills translate perfectly to remote vessel operation.

Want to understand how autonomous technology moves from concept to commercial reality? The Reach Remote project offers a master class in practical innovation that solves real-world problems while creating new opportunities. Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals to hear more stories about Norway's leadership in autonomous systems and how these technologies are reshaping industries worldwide.

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

Send us a text

Imagine your urban commute transformed - not by more roads or tunnels, but by rediscovering the original transportation network beneath our noses. The waterways that birthed civilization are making a comeback.

On this episode of Autonomy Journals, we're joined by Halvor Vislie, CEO of HYKE. HYKE is revolutionizing urban mobility with sleek electric ferries that turn congested commutes into enjoyable experiences. "If riding the ferry is cooler than driving a car," Halvor notes, "you know you've achieved something."

Discover how a single 50-seat ferry can replace five city buses on certain routes, cutting travel times by 80% and reducing environmental impact. We explore the fascinating history of how water transportation was gradually pushed aside by roads and bridges, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that ferries must be expensive and inefficient.

HYKE's approach challenges every assumption about maritime transportation. Their vessels use 50% less energy than traditional ferries, allowing all-day operation without complex charging infrastructure. With large windows and a low profile close to the water, they've created an experience that feels "like the showroom for an upscale car brand."

Beyond the technology, we explore the urban planning implications of ferry services - from creating shortcuts across water bodies to alleviating congestion at bridges and river crossings. These vessels offer immediate transportation solutions for real estate developers and city planners without massive infrastructure investments.

As HYKE gradually incorporates autonomous technologies, it's taking a pragmatic approach that prioritizes passenger safety and acceptance. The result is a practical and genuinely desirable transportation option, proving that sometimes the best innovation involves rediscovering what we once knew.

Innovation Norway sponsors this episode.

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/

Send us a text

Discover how OptiLift is redefining the future of autonomous crane technology with Camilla Nylund, their visionary Managing Director. As we chart the company's journey from a 2009 project to a trailblazer in maritime innovation, you'll gain insights into their groundbreaking work alongside Palfinger to unveil the first autonomous crane in 2027. Camilla sheds light on her remarkable career shift from logistics and oil and gas to leading OptiLift, sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Moreover, this episode uncovers how OptiLift's sensor technology is not just confined to offshore environments but holds potential for ports, terminals, and even space exploration.

Join us as we tackle the compelling world of autonomy in the maritime industry, examining the exciting potential these technologies hold for enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. You'll learn about the challenges of integrating autonomous systems in human-operated environments and the cultural shifts necessary for broader acceptance. With a particular focus on Norway's leadership, we delve into the evolving landscape of regulations and mindset shifts that are crucial for embracing these innovations. This episode offers a window into the future of autonomous mobility, with examples of Norwegian companies leading the charge in shaping tomorrow's transport systems.

The Autonomy Journals showcase leading voices, sharing insights, learnings, lessons and perhaps some confessions from the Autonomy Journey in transport and mobility.

Subscribe to the Autonomy Journals and join us next time as we continue exploring how Norway leads the way in autonomous mobility solutions. Because in Norway, we do it.

SAMS is a private, non-profit innovation cluster for sustainable, autonomous mobility solutions and the host of the podcast.

https://www.sams-norway.no/