VESSEL REVIEW | Froy Leader – Hybrid support catamaran to be deployed at fish farms in Norway

Norwegian aquaculture support vessel operator Frøy Gruppen has taken delivery of a new fish farm service boat with a catamaran hull design and fitted with a battery hybrid propulsion system.

Built by Norwegian shipyard Sletta Verft to a design by Møre Maritime, Frøy Leader has a high-tensile steel hull, a length of 24.9 metres (81.7 feet), a beam of 13 metres (43 feet), a maximum draught of 3.5 metres (11 feet), a gross tonnage of 330, and space for six crewmembers.

Compact hull able to withstand rough conditions at fish farms

The vessel has an optimised hull shape and hull lines, which result in low fuel consumption. The design can also handle harsh weather conditions in exposed waters, as well as ensure that the performance of various demanding tasks is done safely and efficiently.

The propulsion arrangement includes two Nogva Motorfabrikk 500kW (670hp) main diesel engines, two 375kW electric motors, two 1,700mm controllable-pitch propellers, a steering system and two 180kW side thrusters from PMH Norway, and a Hagal Ocean 1,000kWh battery pack. The propulsion delivers a bollard pull of 20 tonnes and a service speed of 12 knots.

The battery hybrid propulsion ensures the vessel will be able to operate around fish cages without noise or carbon emissions. The interiors boast improved noise insulation while the thrusters, the hydraulics, and the deck equipment also have noise-reducing features.

The large open deck has a total area of 200 square metres (2,200 square feet) and can transport up to 135 tonnes of assorted payloads. Tank capacities are 50 cubic metres (1,800 cubic feet) for fuel oil, 20 cubic metres (700 cubic feet) for fresh water, and 80 cubic metres (2,800 cubic feet) for ballast water.

Space available for small boats and other support craft

The deck equipment includes cranes from Dimo and Aukra Maritime, a Gurskøy gangway, an anchor from Certex, and towing and warping winches. The electronics suite meanwhile includes navigation and communications equipment from Furuno.

Other notable features include a large hangar and a control room for use with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for fish cage maintenance. The ROVs may be transported via the open deck along with a small tender supplied by Haukås ATV.

The crew accommodation includes cabins, a mess, a galley, and lounges. The interiors also feature toilets and sewage systems from Heidenreich, an HL Skjong pressure washer, Libra-Plast doors, Allweiler pumps, Bohamet windows, and a Tyco fire suppression system. Work on the interior spaces was provided by R&M Ship Interior.

Frøy Leader has already begun serving its first contract, providing aquaculture support services for a Norwegian customer.