Fjord Line, the Norwegian ferry company, has become tthe first ferry operator to serve their passengers with contactless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) boarding control and to use RFID cabin locks, says Carus, the Finnish supplier of the systems.
The systems are on use on a recenty delivered newbuilding of Fjord Line and it will also be fitted in the second similar ship that will be delivered by Bergen Group Fosen early next year.
Carus have taken full project responsibility for providing the software, the handheld RFID scanners and the implementation of the solution that enables Fjord Line passengers to board and disembark using contactless RFID cards. The same smart card doubles as cabin key and boarding card, which is used to register when the passenger arrives on the ferry, as well as when they leave for ashore trips or for leaving their cruise.
Carus provides handheld scanners for all the ports where Fjord Line is operating to manage the registration of boarding and disembarking. The solution is based on Carus’ already existing boarding control solution which is enhanced with RFID support for contactless smart cards. Using BOCA System’s new RFID ticket printer, which can print and encode disposable RFID tickets, the media cost is similar to normal magnetic stripe tickets.
The solution is also enhanced with extended off-line support so that each scanner unit is able to operate uninterrupted, even outside network coverage. The scanner updates the central system automatically as soon as it is online again.
“Adding two new cruise ferries to our operation is a huge project, which has kept our IT organisation busy, and we are glad to have a solution that supports us in all our business process changes. I am happy to be able to say, ‘Yes we can’, to our management every time they ask if our IT solution will be able to cope with all the changes this business evolution includes," says Linda Selle, IT Manager of Fjord Line.
She continues: “This new solution with RFID support allows us to serve our travellers better than any other ferry operator."
Anders Rundberg, CEO of Carus added, “Working closely with our clients, we are able to come up with the most innovative solutions to keep us at the forefront of technical development. Seeing our customers being first with this type of customer phasing solution is the best testimonial we can get."
