Brunvoll Mar-El propulsion solutions chosen for zero-emission and hybrid passenger ferries  

Fjord1 and Brødrene Aa have selected Brunvoll Mar-El as the electric propulsion system integrator for a new-build low-emission ferry and two existing ferries to be retrofitted with new zero-emissions propulsion systems.

The three ferries will be equipped with a DC switchboard, electrical motors, inverters and charging systems. Each of the individual components will be integrated into Brunvoll Mar-El’s propulsion and energy management system. Brunvoll’s lightweight system integration – a compact and flexible integration system for boats with strict weight, volume and performance requirements – will also be installed.

The new-build ferry will have a low-emission propulsion system, in addition to electrical systems with a 3,000kW power output, and will operate on the route between Knarvik and Bergen in Norway.

The two existing vessels – newly acquired by Fjord1 – will be retrofitted with new zero-emissions propulsion systems with a power output of 2,200kW. They will serve a route between Bergen and Askøy. A charging system with the capacity to deliver up to 4,000kW will be installed in Knarvik and Askøy to enable the vessels to charge when berthed.

The delivery of the vessels is scheduled to begin in Q2-Q3 of 2024. The ferries will enter operation on a 15-year contract with Vestland County Council starting in January 2025.

“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,” said Helge Asle Lundeberg, managing director at Brunvoll Mar-El. “We are very pleased that Fjord1, together with Brødrene Aa AS, chose Brunvoll Mar-El for these projects.”

“Brødrene Aa and Brunvoll Mar-El have successfully cooperated on several projects over many years,” said Brødrene Aa’s CEO, Tor Øyvin. “High-speed passenger vessels have very strict requirements. Both we and Mar-El have put a lot of effort into optimizing 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.”

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