Høglund completes a successful turnkey automation system retrofit on board MS Oosterdam while vessel remains powered

This project stands out because Oosterdam was running on her own power during the full automation system replacement, a rare and highly demanding approach that required precise coordination and execution.

Built in 2002, the Vista-class cruise ship carries up to 2,000 passengers. This was Høglund’s first cruise vessel retrofit and one of the company’s largest projects ever, involving over 10,000 input/output points and 383 customized mimics and displays. While the I/O modules were reused, all controllers were replaced.

After almost a year of planning, programming, and design, the system was commissioned between April 5th and April 18th. A young team of engineers from Høglund worked closely with Holland America Line and the vessel’s technical crew to carry out the upgrade.

The method was new: the Høglund team installed the new system – including power management, shore connection, and safety systems – in parallel with the old one. The two systems ran side-by-side before the Høglund system gradually took full control of the ship’s operations.

A highlight of the upgrade is the integration of the new, fully customized videowall that shows exactly what the crew needs to see in real time. Another important feature is PLAYBACK, a unique Høglund function that utilizes historical data stored over time. It allows the crew to replay all mimics in real-time mode and use trend functionalities just as they would during normal operation. This makes it a valuable tool for troubleshooting and investigating past incidents.

“This was an enormous and, in many ways, challenging project for Høglund, but also very engaging and fun,” says Project Manager Lene Ulseth-Rivelsrud. “I’m convinced that good teamwork with Holland America Line, the highly skilled mechanical and electrical engineering team on shore as well as the vessel’s technical crew was key to our success, and we are immensely grateful for the good cooperation.”

Arnoud Zeelen, Senior Director of Electrical, Automation, Navigation, Propulsion Management in Holland America Line, adds: “We are impressed with how the Høglund team managed this complex retrofit. Keeping the vessel operational throughout the upgrade was a significant achievement. This ensures we can continue offering reliable and safe operations to our guests.”

The next cruise ship to undergo a similar upgrade will be MS Zuiderdam, Oosterdam’s sister vessel, with work scheduled for late 2025. Timing is critical for these projects, as the ships return to service with passengers on board immediately after the retrofit is complete.

The retrofit improves operational efficiency, safety, and reliability – helping the crew operate with a system they can trust at all times.