Maritime Partner AS has recently delivered an 18m catamaran ferry to Moskenes Shipping. The ferry is an ALUSAFE CAT 18 EL which has has an all electric propulsion system and capacity for 75 passengers.
“This is an important delivery for Maritime Partner, and a milestone since it is the first full-electric catamaran ferry we have built,” says Henrik Myklebust, VP Sales at Maritime Partner.
ABB has delivered the complete propulsion system including the electric motors and batteries. Two air-cooled electric motors and frequency converters and a battery capacity of total 524 kWt gives the ferry a speed of 12 knots. Running on electric operation, with an efficient hull design and built using aluminium in the construction, the ferry is as “green” as it gets with today’s knowledge and technology. Aluminium is an environmentally friendly alternative that, when recycled, requires very little energy to be resurrected as a full-fledged material for new applications.
Moskenes Shipping is a local shipping company that operates passenger transport and charters in and around Reine in Lofoten. The ferry will be used for the company’s route in the Reinefjord, a route which they have operated for 26 years. From 2023, a new ten-year contract was entered into with Nordland County Municipality for the operation of the ferry route from Reine and the places Rostad, Kirkefjord and Vinstad. In addition to permanent residents, the route handles a large number of tourists each year from Reine.
The ferry, named “BRIT”, is part of the project “the green islands”, where the goal is zero emissions on land and sea. Lofoten “the green islands” is a private-public partnership for green growth and conversion to the low-emission Lofoten society. Together with residents, businesses and the public sector, work is being done to ensure that the future of Lofoten is renewable, attractive, sustainable, viable and contributes to achieving the UN’s climate goals.
The ALUSAFE CAT 18 EL ferry is a new model designed by Engineer Ola Lilloe-Olsen. Maritime Partner has carried out the detailed design, engineering and construction. In order for all passenger facilities to be available for everyone, the ferry has been arranged in line with requirements for universal design.
The main salon has access from both the fore and aft decks. The lounge has seating for 75 pax and handicap/wheelchair space in accordance with the regulations. Several seats are arranged with tables, which makes the ferry suitable for both sightseeing and transporting tourists.
There are large window surfaces that contribute to a bright and light interior with a good view for everyone on board. The top deck is accessed for passengers from the aft deck, where a wheelchair lift is also installed. In addition, the ferry has plenty of space for luggage and a dog cage on the aft deck.
The ferry is built in accordance with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate’s rules for passenger ships and navigation area4. This includes both design, safety equipment and electronics with navigation and communication.
