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Global engineering group Cavotec has won an order to engineer and manufacture fully integrated MoorMaster automated mooring and Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) electrical supply systems for two Norled frequent-use ferry berths in western Norway, servicing the world's first fully battery-powered ferries.

"These are the first systems anywhere in the world that integrate automated mooring and automated shore-to-ship AMP. This project demonstrates Cavotec's capacity for innovation, and our ability to offer integrated systems that maximise efficiency gains and environmental performance," commented Sofus Gedde-Dahl, Managing Director of Cavotec Norge A/S.

The automated AMP and MoorMaster systems will be installed at the Lavik and Oppedal passenger ferry berths, and used by the world's first fully battery-powered, catamaran-hulled ferry, run by Norwegian ferry operator Norled.

The 80-metre-long vessel will have capacity for around 120 cars and 360 passengers, and will make 17 crossings of the Sognefjord daily. It is scheduled to enter service in 2015.

"The extent of technical innovation and system integration of this project shows how port operations can be made dramatically more sustainable and efficient," said Sigvald Breivik, Norled Technical Director.

The MoorMaster units will be operated by Cavotec hand-held radio remote controls by the ship's captain from the bridge of the vessel.

The mooring system will signal to the AMP unit when the ship is secure, and a laser sensor will then guide the AMP connector to a hatch in the side of the vessel, connect to the ship's battery and start charging.

By using MoorMaster, the ferry's propeller system can be switched off for nine minutes during each 10-minute boarding process, giving more than sufficient time to connect to the Cavotec AMP system and charge the on-board batteries.

With around 6,000 port calls made annually on the Lavik-Oppedal route, the air quality improvement and fuel savings compared to using conventional mooring and power systems are said to be considerable.

This latest order adds to the growing number of MoorMaster applications in Europe, with the technology already in use at ferry terminals in Denmark and a further one in the Netherlands due to enter service in 2014. MoorMaster is also in service at bulk and container handling, Ro-Ro and lock applications worldwide.

Cavotec AMP units are helping ports across northern Europe, North America and Asia to comply with increasingly stringent legislation regarding ships emissions.