Trafikverket Färjerederiet and Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB have selected Zeabuz and Metstech to deliver key technologies for the conversion of the road ferry Neptunus.

Technology developed in Trondheim by Zeabuz will play a central role in the conversion of the Swedish road ferry Neptunus to battery-hybrid operation. Together with Metstech and Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB, Zeabuz is providing the core autonomy components that will make ferry operations safer, more efficient, and emission-free.

Autonomous control for precision and efficiency

Zeabuz will supply an autonomous transit system enabling Neptunus to navigate precisely between terminal areas on the Gullmarsleden route in Bohuslän. The system automates acceleration, steering, and positioning, reducing workload for the crew while ensuring stable and predictable operations on one of Sweden’s busiest ferry connections.

The solution also enables optimized battery use, improving energy efficiency and operational reliability. The project is part of Trafikverket’s long-term program to modernize and electrify the national ferry fleet by 2045, supporting Sweden’s climate neutrality goals.

Integrated autonomy and energy solution

Together, Zeabuz, Metstech, and Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB are delivering a complete automation and energy solution to support safer and more efficient operations of Neptunus.

Metstech provides the battery system installed on board, enabling the ferry to operate with high energy efficiency and fast, safe charging during turnaround times. The result: reduced downtime and emissions combined with strong operational resilience.

Stockholms Reparationsvarv AB is responsible for the conversion and integration of both the energy system and the autonomous technology. The total contract value is SEK 97 million, with the upgrade carried out at Stockholm Repair Yard.

“This project shows how autonomy and energy optimization can deliver immediate benefits for public ferry routes. Our technology will help increase safety, improve regularity, and reduce emissions on a very important transport corridor,” says Øyvind Smogeli, CEO & CTO at Zeabuz.

Photo: Øyvind Smogeli, CEO & CTO at Zeabuz. Credit: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Strategic upgrade of a national transport artery

Neptunus operates on the Gullmarsleden route between Finnsbo and Skår in Bohuslän, a critical transport corridor in Sweden’s national infrastructure. Upgrading this route represents a major investment in next-generation ferry technology.

Trafikverket Färjerederiet operates more than 70 vessels and 41 ferry connections along the Swedish coast. The ferries are an integral part of the country’s road network and are used daily by thousands of travelers. The organization plays a key role in Sweden’s efforts to cut emissions and modernize ferry transport.