Brunvoll provides plug-in hybrid system to sightseeing vessel

Brunvoll Mar-El has integrated a plug-in hybrid system to passenger ship Brim Explorer, which has been designed for sightseeing and whale watching.

The delivery from Brunvoll is a Triton hybrid package consisting of an electric and battery package including a control system for propulsion and manoeuvring. During sightseeing the vessel will run in full battery/electric mode to ensure a silent and environmentally friendly sailing.

Brunvoll Mar-El said it combined lengthy experience within the high-speed segment with “extensive experience” from hybrid propulsion plants with complex installations in projects including ropax vessels, tankers and fishing vessels.

Brunvoll Mar-El managing director Bjønn Tveito highlighted how the company’s “high level of competence in hybrid electric operation” allowed it to take on projects spanning Brim Explorer and a recent system integrator project for ferry operator Norled.

PST’s sister title Norwegian Solutions spoke with Brunvoll chief executive Odd Tore Finnøy in May 2018 about the trend for battery and electric propulsion. Looking at shuttle car ferries in particular, Mr Finnøy noted that new contracts for such vessels – frequently from state-owned bodies – have very tough demands for either no emissions or very low emissions. The result has been the development of fully electric vessels that make use of battery banks, charging when they dock at either end of their route to load up with vehicles. Such innovations are both technology and market drivers, Mr Finnøy said, and are spreading to other sectors.

Keep up to speed on the latest developments in passenger shipping, subscribe to Passenger Ship Technology today.