Norwegian fish farm operator Hofseth Aqua has placed an order for a new passenger shuttle boat to be built by local shipyard Maritime Partner.
The boat's main function is to transport visitors from Valldal to Hofseth's new visitor centre at its showcase fish farming facility at Vindsneset in Fjord municipality. Uteguiden in Valldal will be responsible for the operation of the boat, and it will also use the boat in connection with its activities in and around the world heritage area in the inner part of Storfjorden.
The new boat will have an LOA of 11.8 metres, seating for two crewmembers and 12 passengers, and a propulsion system consisting of a 300kW electric motor and a 252kWh battery pack. The electric propulsion will enable the boat to sail at a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots.