Valmet to supply automation and remote control technology for a new, game-changing, purely electric ferry concept, the E-ferry

Valmet Oyj's press release on October 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. EET

Valmet will supply automation and remote control technology for a new, game-changing, purely electric ferry concept, the E-ferry. The order was placed by Visedo Oy, a Finnish high-tech company responsible for the E-ferry's electric propulsion system.

The order is included in Valmet's third quarter 2016 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed. Typically, the order value of automation system deliveries ranges from below EUR 1 million to EUR 3 million. The delivery will take place in the second quarter of 2017.

"Valmet's solution is technically excellent, and the company was able to present strong references. The technology is a good complement to Visedo's drive train system in the E-ferry," says Hanna Huppunen, Director, Service, Visedo.

"Valmet's goal is to continuously develop advanced automation solutions. These kinds of innovative and environmentally friendly projects motivate us to challenge ourselves in this work. Our system provides the ships with high reliability and availability, as well as efficient and safe operation," says John Weierud, Director, Marine Automation, Valmet.

Totally new environmentally friendly ferry technology

E-ferry is a project that has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. It involves the design, building and demonstration of a fully electric-powered "green" ferry that can operate without pollution or CO2 emissions. The project promotes energy-efficient, zero greenhouse gas emissions and air-pollution-free waterborne transportation for island communities, coastal zones and inland waterways in Europe and beyond.

The ferry will be equipped with a 4.2 MWh battery system, giving it the highest capacity of any electric ferry to date. It is estimated that the annual savings in CO2 emissions will be around 2,000 tons and NOx emission reductions will be 41.5 tons compared with a similar-sized diesel-powered ferry.

The first new 100% electric ferry solution will connect the island of Aeroe in the Baltic Sea with the Danish mainland.

The E-ferry, a fully electric-powered "green" ferry that can run without polluting, will operate with Valmet's automation and remote control technology.

Technical details about Valmet's delivery

Valmet's delivery for the E-ferry includes a Valmet DNA integrated automation system (IAS) to cover the control, alarm and monitoring of machinery systems, and a bridge remote control system for the electric propulsion drives and bow thrusters.

The Valmet DNA system is designed according to the half-ship concept with fully redundant process controllers and multifunctional operator stations. This means that the ship can return safely to port in any unfavorable event using its remaining propulsion. The remote control system includes touch-screen control panels and an electric shafting system for safe and fast transfer of operation command between the control positions.

Furthermore, the delivery includes a history and analyzing station that will collect data from both Visedo's electric power management and consumption control systems.

Information about the customer Visedo

Visedo Oy develops and manufactures electric drive train components in the power range from 30-700 kW for heavy mobile work machine, marine vessel and bus applications. The company headquarters and factory are located in Lappeenranta, Finland. The company is ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 636027.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Per Syvertsen, Senior Technical Manager, Marine Automation Applications, Valmet, Tel. +47 3330 5660

Heikki Tanner, Sales Manager, Automation, Valmet, tel. +358 40 557 0780

http://e-ferryproject.eu/

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.