VESSEL REVIEW | Brit – Commuter/tourist shuttle to serve Norway's Lofoten archipelago

Maritime Partner of Ålesund, Norway recently delivered a new catamaran ferry to local operator Moskenes Shipping, which provides passenger and freight transport services in and around Reine in the northern archipelago of Lofoten.

The 19.72- by 6.8-metre (64.7- by 22-foot) Brit has an all-electric propulsion system and capacity for 75 passengers in addition to two crewmembers. The vessel’s operation is in line with a goal of achieving zero emissions for both land and sea transport in Lofoten.

Comfortable and spacious interiors

The boat is a new model designed by engineer Ola Lilloe-Olsen. Maritime Partner carried out the detailed design, engineering and construction. In order for all passenger facilities to be available for everyone including individuals with limited mobility, the boat has been laid out in line with requirements for universal design.

The main salon has access from both the fore and aft decks. The lounge has seating for all 75 passengers and handicap/wheelchair space in accordance with local regulations. Several seats are arranged with tables, which makes the boat suitable for both sightseeing and transporting tourists.

There are large windows that contribute to a bright and light interior in addition to providing better views of the outside. The top deck is accessible from the aft deck, where a wheelchair lift is also installed. The boat also has plenty of space for luggage and a small kennel.

The boat 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.

Full electric propulsion setup

ABB provided the vessel with a complete propulsion system that includes two 97kW air-cooled electric motors and a 524kWh battery pack. The electric motors, the frequency converters, and the batteries drive West Mekan fixed-pitch propellers to enable the boat to reach a cruising speed of 12 knots. West Mekan also supplied the rudders while a Sleipner Sidepower thruster provides additional lateral manoeuvrability.

The electric propulsion combines with an efficient hull design and aluminium construction to ensure that the vessel has a reduced environmental footprint.

The interiors feature Ydra washing and firefighting pumps; Nortronic and Acel Novec fire suppression systems for the engine rooms; NorSap crew seats; West Mekan passenger seats; Libra-Plast doors and hatches; an Undertun gangway; Jets toilets; Roxtec cable transits; and Survitec inflatable liferafts. Maritime Innredning Nord was responsible for all interior design work while Jotun paint was used for the exterior surfaces.

Power for the onboard systems is supplied by a John Deere 4045TFM50 generator.

Brit will be operated in the Reinefjord for a firm period of ten years in fulfilment of a concession for commuter and tourist transport services awarded to Moskenes Shipping by the Nordland County Municipality. Stops will include Rostad, Kirkefjord, and Vinstad.