Brunvoll - Experts & Thought Leaders

Brunvoll is pleased to announce its partnership with Torghatten Nord in the construction of a new hybrid ferry, set to operate between Svolvær and Skutvik in Lofoten, Norway. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the ferry will improve both capacity and sustainability on this key route. “Our goal is to build a hybrid vessel that operates electrically over shorter distances and in hybrid mode over longer routes, contributing to lower emissions across our operations,” says Eirik Olsen, Operational Director at Torghatten Nord. Brunvoll and Torghatten Nord partner on new hybrid vessel The 73.3-metre long vessel, with a breadth of 14.3 metres, will accommodate 50 cars and 199 passengers. Equipped with a 3600 kWh battery capacity, the ferry will operate on electric power between Svolvær and Skrova, and in hybrid mode during the summer to Skutvik, significantly reducing NOx and CO2 emissions. Brunvoll to supply essential systems for the ferry Brunvoll will supply essential systems for the ferry, including two pulling azimuth thrusters Brunvoll will supply essential systems for the ferry, including two pulling azimuth thrusters, an Auto-Crossing system, a remote condition monitoring system, and a bridge-to-blade control system (BruCon PTC), ensuring efficient and reliable operation. The ferry will be constructed by Western Baltija Shipbuilding, located in Lithuania, and is designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Brunvoll and Torghatten Nord partnership “We are proud to support this project with our advanced propulsion and autonomy solutions,” says Nils Arne Øksenvåg, Sales Manager at Brunvoll. Brunvoll's Auto-Crossing system will be installed, featuring a bridge control panel. The BruCon Auto-Crossing system keeps the route and speed, steady and efficiently, with smooth accelerations.

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Aas Mek Verksted for the delivery of a propulsion, manoeuvring, and positioning system for Njord Aquashipping’s new live fish carriers. The delivery is for two vessels, with one additional vessel as an option. Brunvoll’s delivery for each of the two vessels consists of: Two ducted azimuth propulsion thrusters, a tunnel thruster, Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system (BruCon PTC), and Brunvoll’s Dynamic Positioning system with class 0 (BruCon DP0). Requirements for a DP system The class 0 DP system is ideal for vessels like live fish carriers and aquaculture service vessels "This is an exciting step for Njord Aquashipping AS. We are very pleased to build these vessels in Norway and to work with high-quality Norwegian suppliers like Brunvoll. We look forward to strengthening our fleet with these state-of-the-art vessels," says Tomas Okstad, CEO of Njord Aquashipping AS. The class 0 DP system is ideal for vessels like live fish carriers and aquaculture service vessels, where there are no class requirements for a DP system. The DP system helps the crew of the vessel to manoeuvre and hold the vessel's position during operations around the fish farm, increasing the safety of both the fish and crew, and at the same time reducing energy consumption. Azimuth propulsion thrusters The ducted azimuth propulsion thrusters are of the AUP84 type, which is a newly developed size to suit a wider range of vessels. The azimuth thrusters will have a propeller diametre of 2.1 metres and a power output of 1500 kW, each. The vessels will become Aas Mek’s new build no. 217 and 218. The vessels have a length over all of 89 metres and a loading capacity of 4.700 tons.

After detailed studies and deep technical discussions, Brunvoll is ready for major propulsion upgrades for two of Utkilen AS’s ice-classed vessels. Thorough work by Brunvoll’s hydrodynamicists and service professionals has resulted in a streamlined retrofit design. Utkilen’s investment will enable a larger saving in fuel and emissions through the vessel’s remaining lifetime. Substantial upgrades The two vessels, Golfstraum and Rystraum, will receive substantial upgrades by Brunvoll, including a new gear transition, overhaul, and a redesign of propeller blades. The final selection of optimised propeller revolution speed and blade design has been subject to an extensive analysis by Brunvoll, and in good cooperation with Becker Marine Systems, who supplies the Becker Mewis Duct®, for both vessels. The project is one of several of Utkilen’s investments in operational improvements, which have ranged across their entire fleet. Decarbonisation strategy Carl Ove Utkilen, Project Manager at Utkilen, comments from the owner’s perspective; “At Utkilen, we are committed to decarbonising our fleet. A crucial aspect of our decarbonisation strategy is to maximise the energy efficiency of our vessels, thereby reducing our future dependence on alternative fuels, which require substantial green energy to produce." "Our current focus is on identifying and implementing energy-saving devices and technologies across our fleet, while closely monitoring developments in the alternative fuel and propulsion sectors.” Energy savings “For our vessels Golfstraum and Rystraum we have collaborated with Brunvoll to redesign our propellers and gears. Additionally, we will be installing Becker Mewis Ducts® on these vessels, provided by Becker Marine Services," stated Carl OveUtkilen, Project Manager at Utkilen AS. "This simultaneous design process for the propeller and the water flow towards the propeller, achieved through the cooperation of all parties, has demonstrated higher overall savings in our simulations compared to designing them separately. We are enthusiastic about this project and anticipate significant fuel consumption savings following the installation." Redesigned propeller blades As part of the retrofit, the vessels will have a reduction in ice class and a new optimised vessel speed As part of the retrofit, the vessels will have a reduction in ice class and a new optimised vessel speed. Combined, the changed operating service speed, the reduction gear upgrade, and the redesigned propeller blades with new inflow have a larger emission-saving potential than what each upgrade could have provided separately. In other words, 2+2 is more than 4 in this case. This better total is a result of the continuous optimised water flow toward the redesigned propeller blades. Brunvoll and Becker have cooperated closely and performed several rounds of iteration to reach the final design. Propeller improvements  The upgrades are set to take place during the autumn of 2024 and spring of 2025. Brunvoll will take the lead on the upgrade process for both vessels and according to Mads Egseth Melbø, who is Sales Manager Retrofit in Brunvoll, it will be a huge overtaking. “We will open the vessel up from the side to a larger gear overhaul and change of gear ratio. Thereafter, the propeller improvements will take place. We look forward to seeing the upgraded vessels in action and are excited to follow up withUtkilen on operational results.”