Trafikverket, a division of the Swedish Transport Administration responsible for operating Sweden’s state-owned road ferries, together with Stockholms Reparationsvarv (Stockholm Shipyard), has selected Zeabuz, a specialist in intelligent navigation solutions for the maritime industry, and Metstech, an electrical and automation systems integrator, to deliver advanced automation and energy management technologies for the conversion of the road ferry Neptunus to battery-hybrid operation.
The conversion is one step in a much larger process outlined in Trafikverket’s Vision 45 document. The aim is to decarbonise the entire fleet of ferries by 2045 – the year in which the Swedish government has set the target for the country to become climate neutral.
The joint delivery will provide a complete automation and energy solution to support safer, cleaner, and more efficient operations on the Gullmarsleden route. As part of the retrofit, Zeabuz will supply an automated transit system enabling Neptunus to navigate precisely between docks with automated control of acceleration, steering, and positioning. The system will optimize battery use, reduce operator workload, and ensure stable and predictable operations on this high-frequency public route.
Metstech is delivering the battery system to be retrofitted on board. The systems will allow Neptunus to operate with high energy efficiency and recharge safely and quickly during normal turnaround times, minimizing downtime and emissions while securing reliable service.
Neptunus operates on the Gullmarsleden route between Finnsbo and Skår in Bohuslän, a critical link in Sweden’s national transport infrastructure. The SEK 97 million retrofit will be carried out at Stockholm Repair Yard and represents a major investment in next-generation ferry capability.
This joint project demonstrates how automation and smart energy systems together can deliver immediate performance gains for public ferry fleets. Zeabuz and Metstech are proud to support Färjerederiet in delivering real-world progress toward maritime sustainability and operational excellence. Theuy thank Trafikverket Färjerederiet for their continued trust and collaboration and look forward to launching Neptunus as a model for modern, net-zero ferry transport.
