- This is the largest investment that Färjerederiet has ever made and is a major step both for the climate and in technology development for safer shipping, says Erik Froste, shipping manager. Delivery of the first ferry will be around the turn of the year 2022/23, then the others will arrive about a year apart.

The ferries have space for 60 cars and can cross the ferry routes with just the push of a button. Upon departure, the ship starts itself, loosens the moorings and leaves the ferry position. During the journey, the systems monitor traffic and other things that may be in the way. Even on arrival, the ship moors itself and charges the batteries from shore power. Charging may only take the time that unloading and loading takes place, about four minutes.

- The technology works as a support for the staff. The technical system increases security and does what computers do best - learns to repeat the same pattern of action. In this way, the most environmentally friendly driving is found, Erik Froste explains.

The ferry company has begun a procurement and the tenders must be received no later than 19 March 2021. Thereafter, the Swedish Transport Administration decides which shipyard will be commissioned to build the new electric ferries. The investment is part of the Ferry Company's Vision 45, a plan for all our ferries to be climate neutral by 2045.