This is a fascinating little ship, a comparatively fast aluminium catamaran Ro-Pax ferry of only 30 metres in LOA.
Serving the sparsely populated coastal communities of western Norway, this first of two new vessels illustrates the long-developed capability of Oma Baatbyggeri in the creation of innovative but very practical vessels for its almost unique local market.
Amazingly, despite its relatively short length, the ferry can carry seven cars plus 72 passengers in comfort all year round.
"The current generation of passenger-cargo catamarans comes with hybrid battery electric propulsion systems," Gunnar Jan Oma, Managing Director of Oma Baatbyggeri, told Baird Maritime. "This means that the vessels can run with up to 100 per cent electric operation and zero CO2 emissions along most of the routes they are to operate."
Oma remarked that Oma Baatbyggeri has delivered many passenger-cargo catamarans since 2001. This new generation, designed with hybrid battery electric propulsion, is based on the popular combi-catamaran concept, numerous examples of which have been delivered over the past two decades and are in operation along the entire Norwegian coastline.
"The vessels can be designed with a load bearing capacity in excess of 50 tonnes on the aft deck, enabling them to carry large lorries and cargo as well as passengers and their vehicles."
Oma added that the company has gradually gained substantial experience with the design and construction of electric boats. The first hybrid-electric car ferry, Kinsarvik, was delivered from the yard in 2019.
"When delivered, a tremendous 92 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions was achieved compared with ordinary diesel-powered ferries. In the years since, the yard has delivered a number of hybrid-electric vessels, and each new vessel presents new challenges, though these can be solved by people working in teams aided by years of experience."
For Oma, the passenger ferry and high-speed segment has experienced a significant uplift driven by ageing fleets, environmental regulations, and a surge in tourist traffic. There is therefore an increased focus on environment friendly and sustainable transportation solutions.
"Norway will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 and up to 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990, in line with the country's goals under the Paris Agreement. Oma Baatbyggeri is therefore developing aluminium fast ferries and is continually working towards developing zero-emission and low-emission solutions for fast ferry fleets. In this way, the company is contributing to Norway achieving its climate goals."
Oma said that Oma Baatbyggeri had a busy year in 2023 with the delivery of three vessels to local operators in Norway. All three boats are identical hybrid battery-electric Ro-Pax ferries, each with capacity for 70 passengers and a 20-tonne lorry or seven passenger-driven cars.
"In March last year, we signed a contract for a 28-metre-long passenger catamaran for delivery this May for operation between Trondheim and Vanvikan in Trøndelag county. In July, a contract was signed for the conversion of an existing local ferry to enable electric operation, with delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. In October 2023, the company signed an agreement with Leirvik for the manufacture of aluminium panels for Aker BP's Hugin A project.
Oma remarked that, collectively, these projects provide the company with considerable activity until the end of 2024.
"Going forward," he told Baird Maritime, "we see many prospects and expect to be very active on the tendering front. A string of projects are due to be awarded in the near future, so prospects are good for securing additional contracts for work that will be executed in the latter part of 2024 and in 2025."
Oma said that electrification is becoming more important as a trend in the Norewegian workboat industry.
"In addition to acquiring newbuilds, operators are also looking to convert existing vessels. Diesel-powered boats built in the early 2000s are now ready for conversion to hybrid propulsion, extending the lifetimes of these vessels and allowing them to be re-used. This contributes to sustainable operation and significantly increased residual value for the vessels."
Oma remarked that, with electrical transport technology still in its infancy, Oma Baatbyggeri is also working with technology that allows for rechargeable batteries to be swapped off the boats in port to allow for battery-powered travel over greater distances.