Norwegian company Brødrene Aa has delivered the high speed electric passenger vessel ‘Bre’ which will operate in two important roles for Norled and Brim Explorer in the Bodø region.
The new hybrid-electric carbon fibre vessel will be used both as a sightseeing boat and as a reserve vessel on the Bodø-Væran and Bodø-Gildeskål ferry routes.
Brødrene Aa manager Tor Øyvin Aa said: “Balancing comfort and views for the passengers on sightseeing, while the vessel meets high speed and efficiency in fast boat connections, has placed great demands on design and engineering expertise. Through close cooperation with the customers, Brim Explorer and Norled, as well as the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and the classification society Bureau Veritas, we have managed to find solutions that meet all requirements. This project has really tested our competence and creativity, but the result shows what we are able to achieve through collaboration and high technical expertise.”
The Bre is designed for high passenger comfort and panoramic windows for an optimal view during sightseeing operations. At the same time, the vessel has practical solutions such as a crane and cargo hold to be able to transport both goods and passengers on the fast ferry routes out of Bodø.
Aa added: “The hull has been developed by Wave Propulsion. The underwater lines are the same as on previous Brim boats, but here the hull is adapted to tougher sea conditions with a new bow design and higher freeboard height.”
The vessel has a battery capacity of 1.1MWh and two 1000kW electric motors from Brim Tech, a subsidiary of Brim Explorer. In addition, Scania DI16 engines have been installed to extend the range. Electrical integration is by Haf Power Solutions.
Brim Tech technical manager Espen Larsen-Hakkebo said: “The electric motors provide 1000kW direct coupling to the probe shaft loops without gears. It provides lower weight, higher speed and longer range than comparable solutions. In addition, the engine solution is almost maintenance-free, which makes operation significantly more affordable.”
Bre is the fifth and most technologically advanced vessel in the Brim Explorer fleet. The ship has its home port in Bodø. The 23.9m vessel can accommodate up to 130 passengers, with a maximum speed of 30 knots. It is classed by Bureau Veritas and certified according to the HSC code.
Image: Lightweight electric ferry ‘Bre’ (credit: Brødrene Aa/Romvesen)
