Brim Explorer orders what it claims are the ‘world’s most efficient battery-powered vessels’

Norwegian maritime technology-focused tourism firm Brim Explorer has signed contracts for the construction of two high-speed battery-powered trimarans, which are scheduled for delivery in spring 2027.

"This is a milestone for both Brim Explorer and the Norwegian maritime industry. We are not only proving that it is possible to combine zero emissions, high speed and long range – we are developing and building the vessels in Norway, with Norwegian suppliers," said Brim Explorer CEO and co-founder Agnes Árnadóttir.

Shipbuilder Herde Kompositt in Hardanger, Norway, will build the hulls using advanced composite technology, while final outfitting, including system integration and interior work will be done by Horten Shipyards south of Oslo.

With capacity for 180 passengers, the two new zero-emission vessels will be used for emission-free sightseeing cruises in Norway’s fjords.

The two new trimaran designs have been developed by Brim Tech, Brim Explorer’s in-house technology division.

With a range of 100 nautical miles (nearly 200 km) at 20 knots between charges, the company claims that the new fully electric trimarans will be the ‘world’s most efficient battery-powered vessels’.

"We have been using our existing vessels as test platforms for several years, which has given us unique insights. We know what actually works in real-world conditions, not just in simulations. That´s the difference between developing something that looks good on paper and something that delivers in practice every single day," said Brim Explorer CTO and co-founder Espen Larsen-Hakkebo.

The total investment in the two vessels is in the range of US$20M, the largest financial outlay in Brim Explorer´s history. The company said the project will generate “significant ripple effects” for Norwegian shipyards and suppliers in composites, maritime outfitting, battery systems, design and systems integration, said a statement.

"This is a prestige project and the most advanced composite structure we have ever built. The combination of low weight, high speed and long distances, places extreme demands on both materials and construction methods. The project demonstrates what Norwegian shipbuilding can achieve when the requirements are world-class," said Herde Kompositt and Odda Industrier CEO Bjørn Angeltveit.

Both Brim Explorer’s existing vessels and the new trimarans are designed by Einar Hareide, while the trimaran hulls are designed by Wind Naval Architects.