METS Technology, the main contractor and integrator of the Gullmarsleden ferry electrification project, has awarded the contract for the cable management system to shore power company Zinus who will deliver a ZPP800, fully autonomous charging tower.
The Gullmarsleden ferry route in the municipality of Lysekil, Sweden, operated by Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, is one of several routes currently being considered for electrification, as part of Trafikverket’s Vision 45 plan for a climate-neutral ferry service by 2045.
Ronny Olson, Sales Manager Zinus said: “We have been working closely with METS to provide the best solution for the ferry operator, Trafikverket, and we are very pleased that our system for autonomous connection for charging was selected as the preferred system.”
This is Zinus’s first delivery to either METS or Trafikverket.
Endre Eidsvik, CEO Zinus added: “Sweden is a market of growing interest to Zinus, and we look forward to enable efficient autonomous charging to a growing number of ferry stretches. Also, what is particularly nice with this project, is that it includes our new solution for a multi-axial connection that will ensure to-the-point connection at any given tidal range in addition to a larger longitudinal docking range. There is an increasing demand for this system which has been offered to several projects already, but Trafikverket will be the first to take advantage of the innovation.”
Since its establishment in 2018, Zinus has launched several innovations to serve ports and vessels with an efficient, practical, and good-looking cable management system. The ZPP800 tower with the multi-axial connecting point, destined for this project, is considered another milestone for the company as this will open for autonomous charging in waters with very large tidal difference.
The complete charging station installation will be fully automated and eliminates the need to manually moor or connect. This makes the process more efficient and makes handling easier for the crew on board. Upon connection, the ferry will be able to charge at up to 3MW. The charging station is believed to be unique as it not only handles the charging, but also includes the automated mooring function for the ferries, which contributes to a significant reduction in energy consumption. METS’s undertaking as main contractor includes an extensive design and build part that includes the construction of buildings for onshore charging equipment, piling and construction of platforms in the water, as well as the conversion of existing ferries to enable connection to the 3MW charging.
Image: ZPP800 charging tower (source: Zinus)
