Fjord Line first again!
With their new ferries Fjord Line will be the first ferry operator using RFID technology for their cabin locks, setting a new world record! They will also be the first ferry operator to serve their passengers with contactless RFID boarding control.
Carus will take full project responsibility for providing the software, the handheld RFID scanners and the implementation of the solution that will enable Fjord Line passengers to board and disembark using contactless RFID cards. The same smart card will double as cabin key and boarding card, which will be 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 will provide 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 will be 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 will be similar to normal magnetic stripe tickets.
The solution will also be enhanced with extended off-line support so that each scanner unit will be able to operate uninterrupted, even outside network coverage. The scanner will update 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 will allow 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”.
About Fjord Line
Fjord Line operates two ferries, the RoPax Bergensfjord and the fast ferry Fjord Cat, on the two routes connecting Bergen, Stavanger and Kristiansand in Norway with Hirtshals in Denmark. It will introduce two newly built cruise ferries during 2013.