Electrical Ferry Catamaran for Hordaland

Boreal and Oma Baatbyggeri have today signed an agreement for the construction of a new electrically operated ferry.

The ferry will be built by Stord based Oma Baatbyggeri, and will be in operation in Hordaland by 1. January 2020.

Boreal and Hordaland County Municipality represented by Skyss, signed on 26. April 2017 a contract covering the operation of three ferry crossings in Hordaland. This new electrical ferry will operate between Kinsarvik and Utne.

– This is a local ferry, built and later operated in Hordaland. Oma Baatbyggeri is renowned for its high quality products and reliable delivery and has previously built several fast ferries for us. We are looking forward to cooperate with them on the build of this new ferry, says Chairman Mr. Kjetil Førsvoll in Boreal.

Saving the Environment
The ferry is equipped with battery packs, which can be re-charged from the national power grid, in addition diesel generators provide emergency backup (plug-in hybrid electrical). The ferry has to meet stringent environmental requirements such as vastly reduced CO2 emissions and much improved energy efficiency.

– We are utilising new technology, which will save the environment and at the same time increase passenger comfort. The ferry connections will be operated with power from shore, creating substantial environmental improvements, reducing CO2-emissions by 92 percent and achieving savings in overall energy consumption by 74 percent, according to Mr Førsvoll.

The new ferry has a universal design with excellent seaworthiness and has been specially designed and equipped to assist people with disabilities. This includes colour schemes to support the visually impaired, induction loop system to assist those hard of hearing and wide corridors and minimal height thresholds to ease the movement for individuals with a physical disability.

New area
The contract with Hordaland County Municipality and Skyss, comprises the ferry crossings Kvanndal–Utne, Kinsarvik–Utne and Skånevik–Matre–Utåker and have a duration of 9 years with an option for one further year.

– We look forward to contribute to the renewal and modernising of the operation of ferries in Hordaland. Hordaland County Municipality and Skyss emerges as innovative with a strong environmental focus and this contract fits well with Boreal’s aim to be a leader in environmentally friendly ferry operations, says Mr Førsvoll.

This contract further strengthens the environmental profile of Boreal’s new build program, having built 15 environmentally friendly vessels in the last 5 years, representing a NOK 1.1 Billion investment.

Securing employment
– For us this represents yard number 540, but this ferry is the first electrical ferry we will deliver. This is a brand new concept which is tailor-made according to new environmental regulations, says managing director Gustav Oma in Oma Baatbyggeri AS.

The project is very exciting for Oma Baatbyggeri, because it represents innovation and is a brand new concept.

– In terms of employment this project is important for us, as it will contribute to a steady work level until the spring of 2019, says Mr Oma.

Boreal is a leading national company within public transport in Norway, operating busses, trams, fast ferries and car ferries. Boreal Norge AS is headquartered in Stavanger and employs 2000 people throughout Norway.

The new ferry is 42 meters long, has a beam of 11 meters and will carry 80 passengers and 16 cars (or 2 semi-trailer trucks). The ferry will be built in aluminium.