Ferry owners are seeking ways to prevent coronavirus spreading on ferries as they bring more ships back into service
This follows the gradual lifting of restrictions to their operations, which were caused by national lockdowns to restrict Covid-19 infections.
Ferry owner Wasaline has adopted digital technology to streamline the travel experience of its guests, reduce costs and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections as it minimises physical interactions on board.
Wasaline has introduced digital keys to passengers’ mobile phones instead of offering physical key cards. It worked with Carus to provide the digital keys using the ferry operator’s own mobile application.
Its new ship, Aurora Bothnia is the first ferry in the world to install ASSA Abloy digital key technology for all its cabins, from Carus.
Wasaline chief executive Peter Ståhlberg said this mobile application is secure enough to share the key with family and friends. It is part of the company’s drive to invest in technology for its guests.
“Our goal at Wasaline is to become the most modern, innovative, safe and environmentally friendly ferry operator in the world,” said Mr Ståhlberg. “We seek out the most cost-effective solutions – this is one important part of our strategy.”
Carus developed a generic ‘white label’ version of this digital key application and Wasaline branded the app for its own passenger services platform.
Carus chief executive Anders Rundberg said this app would be available for other operators worldwide. “This is a natural step in the evolution of the ferry industry,” said Mr Rundberg. “With this system we can help operators cut costs and reduce their environmental footprint.”
It is contactless technology that could prevent infection risk from physical cabin keys and interaction between crew and passengers.
“With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic this is exactly what the industry needs,” said Rundberg.
Wasaline operates ferries across the Kvarken Strait in the Gulf of Bothnia. It links communities along the Västerbotten coast in Sweden and Ostrobothnian coast in Finland. It is owned by the city of Vasa and the municipality of Umeå.
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