Fjord1 and Brødrene Aa have chosen Brunvoll Mar-El as system integrator and supplier of electric propulsion systems for one new low emission and two zero emission passenger vessels.
The ferries will operate from Bergen to Knarvik and Kleppestø.
Brunvoll Mar-El MD Helge Asle Lundeberg said: “This is a substantial contract for us and a great achievement for everyone at Brunvoll Mar-El. The contract contributes to increasing Brunvoll Mar-El’s ability to provide lightweight electric and hybrid solutions to even larger vessels with more installed power, more battery capacity, and longer range. We are very pleased that Fjord1, together with Brødrene Aa, chose Brunvoll Mar-El for these projects.”
The delivery for the three vessels comprises the DC switchboard, electrical motors, inverters, and charging solutions. All components will be integrated together into Brunvoll Mar-El’s Propulsion and Energy management system. The vessels will be equipped with Brunvoll Ligthweight System Integration, a super compact and flexible integration system optimised for vessels with strict requirements to weight, volume, and performance. The delivery is set to Q2-Q3 in 2024, and the vessels will enter into operation on a 15-year contract with Vestland County Council in January 2025.
One of the three vessels will be a newbuild incorporating the new Aero-design from Brødrene Aa and will be outfitted with a low emission propulsion system will have an electrical power output of 3,000kW to operate on the long route between Knarvik and Bergen. The two other vessels have recenty been acquired by Fjord1, and will be extensively retrofitted to replace the conventional propulsion systems with a new zero-emission propulsion system, with power output of 2,200kW for operation on the Bergen-Askøy route. Charging capacity of up to 4,000kW will be installed in both Knarvik and Askøy.
Brødrene Aa CEO Tor Øyvin Aa said: “Brødrene Aa and Brunvoll Mar-El have successfully cooperated on several projects over many years. High-speed passenger vessels have very strict requirements. Both we and Mar-El have put a lot of effort into optimising our designs over the years. Especially weight and volume are crucial, as well as overall performance, and Brunvoll Mar-El delivers on them all. Having dedicated Norwegian partners for this vessel type is very valuable for us.”
