Sperry Marine, a global leader in advanced navigation solutions, has been awarded the contract to supply complete Integrated Bridge Systems for two highly innovative hydrogen-powered, autonomous-ready short sea container vessels currently under construction for international logistics company Samskip.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the groundbreaking vessels will be delivered achieving zero-emission propulsion and ready for future autonomous navigation.
The 135-meter length vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027 to operate between Oslo Fjord and Samskip’s home port of Rotterdam, as part of a pioneering green corridor initiative. The two short sea container combined are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annually when operating in zero-emission mode using green hydrogen.
At owner’s request, each Integrated Bridge Systems will feature open architecture that makes it possible to integrate emerging autonomous navigation solutions. Today, no industry-wide standards exist covering autonomous ship navigation. However, Sperry Marine’s modular design and open interfaces will allow shipowners to innovate at their own pace. The Integrated Bridge Systems package on board will include Sperry Marine’s new ‘self-adaptive’ NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot, which dynamically adjusts to vessel characteristics and changing conditions, resulting in measurable fuel savings and reduced bridge workload.
“Samskip’s level of ambition on emissions requires partners like Sperry Marine, with similar objectives for innovation and the willingness to invest in the future,” said Jeroen Hollebrands, Head of Newbuilding and Projects, Samskip Group. “These ships are a milestone for the maritime industry, delivering hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous-ready navigation as a clean and renewable technology.”
“What sets this Integrated Bridge Systems apart is its open and flexible architecture, combined with Sperry Marine’s resilient sensor technology and robust cyber protection. This creates a secure and future-proof navigation platform, ready for today’s hydrogen powered operation and tomorrow’s autonomous services,” said Pascal Göllnitz, Sperry Marine’s Product Line Manager for Integrated Bridge Systems.
Also on board will be Sperry Marine’s Advanced ARPA tracking, whose streams operate separately from radar video, meaning performance is unaffected by anti-clutter settings. As well as consistently reliable target tracking, even in difficult conditions, the system provides tracking ranges of 40NM to ensure early awareness among bridge teams. The full scope of supply includes Sperry Marine’s Secure Maritime Gateway cyber threat protection, and remote diagnostics and support.
“Sperry Marine is proud to collaborate with Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Limited on this transformative project,” said Guy Millard, Managing Director Sperry Marine. “This contract demonstrates how our navigation technologies are sought out by the maritime industry’s true innovators in ship safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”
