Schwentine ferry concept
Concept study for the Schwentine ferry: WaterConnect - An autonomous knowledge ferry for the Schwentine
Concept study for the preparation of a funding application for the development, construction and operation of an autonomous ferry for the Lower Schwentine
Brief description
As a state between the seas, Schleswig-Holstein has a strong maritime Buisness. In order to further advance the energy transition and, above all, to make it attractive, the expansion of mobility on the water in the region is a good idea.
Numerous digital technologies, concepts and even a test platform for autonomous ships and their operation have already been developed in various CAPTN projects with HAW involvement. In addition, HAW Kiel has gained experience in designing efficient, small ships and small ferries in the ongoing WaterLinks project. At the same time, the desire has grown in the City of Kiel to develop the Schwentine - particularly with regard to the understanding of this region as a holistic "Schwentine estuary knowledge quarter" - as a connecting element between the two banks.
As a logical consequence and ideal synergy of these developments, it is planned to bring the first autonomous passenger ferry in Germany into real operation in the medium term and thus create a maritime lighthouse project. An application for the construction of such a ferry, provisionally named WaterConnect, is therefore to be submitted as part of the FIT funding guideline: WaterConnect.
Due to the complexity and scope of the project, a short preliminary study is required, for which the requested funding will be used. The application phase is divided into the following work packages:
WP 1 - Cost and concept development WaterConnect
WP 2 - Future-oriented product design and human-machine interaction
WP 3 - Compilation of project partners, full application and legal classification
