Norled has awarded Brødrene Aa a contract for the construction of a new hybrid-electric vessel that will be named MS “Bre”.
The express boat will be used both as a reserve vessel on the Bodø-Væran and Bodø-Gildeskål routes, and as a 100% electric sightseeing boat during periods when it does not operate on regular routes.
“This is one of three new eco-vessels being specially built for the route. Norled will have a hybridization rate of 70% electric operation in the operation of the routes, which will help to significantly reduce emissions on the connection, says Heidi Wolden, CEO of Norled.
Brim Explorer will operate the sightseeing vessel in the areas around Bodø. MS “Bre” is designed as a modern and universally designed vessel with good passenger comfort and panoramic windows for optimal views. There will be room for 130 passengers, as well as luggage, bicycles and kayaks.
The top speed will be around 30 knots and the length of the vessel is 24 meters. It will be equipped with 1.2 MWh of batteries and an all-electric powertrain with diesel-powered range extenders.
-“Naturally, we are very pleased with the contract with Norled to build the reserve vessel for these routes. It’s particularly gratifying that two shipping companies with whom we already have an established partnership have come together in this way. Low weight and energy efficiency are crucial in the face of low- and zero-emission requirements, and with this vessel we can demonstrate how a lightweight construction material such as carbon fiber offers advantages both in low-speed operations and as a express boat. At the same time, the material ensures a long service life for the boat. Together with the combination operation the shipping companies are planning, it provides good resource utilization. These are all important aspects that are positive from a sustainability perspective,” says Tor Øyvin Aa, General Manager of Brødrene Aa.
“This type of collaboration on a tender route is a very good way of making better use of resources. For both Norled and Brim Explorer, this is a win-win situation, where Norled builds a vessel that meets the criteria for the tender contract, and Brim Explorer gets a flexible vessel that can offer emission-free experiences in a new area of Northern Norway.
-“Bodø is the gateway to a beautiful area in Nordland that we look forward to exploring with guests on board. We believe that our products will make a positive contribution to an exciting and growing destination,” says Agnes Árnadóttir, General Manager of Brim Explorer.
