VESSEL REVIEW | Multi Electric – First in new series of electric aquaculture workboats

Norwegian aquaculture support specialist the FSV Group recently welcomed a new electric-powered workboat to its fleet.

Built by local shipyard Sletta Verft to a design by engineering firm Solstrand Trading, the aptly named Multi Electric is the first in a series of six workboats, all of which will be delivered by the end of the year. Duties will include maintenance, limited cargo transport, and light towing in support of customers in the aquaculture industry.

Multi Electric has an LOA of 17.1 metres, a beam of 8.7 metres, and capacity for up to 50 tonnes of assorted cargo. Two Hagal Ocean batteries that together produce 1,050 kWh to drive two Nogva Heimdal Propulsion rudder propellers while steering control is via a system supplied by PMH, which also provided the vessel's 80kW side thrusters.

The batteries are designed for overnight charging via a shore power connection, and a single full charge will enable whole-day operations with little noise so as not to disturb the marine environment in Norway's fjords. Arild Aasmyr, CEO of the FSV Group, said the batteries coupled with the propulsion and the design of the vessel can help reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 520 tonnes each year compared to other vessels.

Should additional power be needed, Multi Electric may utilise a Scania DI13 425kW backup diesel generator. However, even when operating on batteries alone, the vessel can already achieve a bollard pull of 10.5 tonnes. The battery and generator rooms are also fitted with fire detection and extinguishing systems from Johnson Controls and Tyco Marine.

The workboat boasts a Furuno equipment package consisting of a radar, an echosounder, a NAVTEX, a satellite compass, a sonar, and an electronic chart system. The deck equipment meanwhile includes capstans and a winch from MB Hydraulikk, a gangway, and two cranes from HS.Marine. Space is also available for a Sperre remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a pressure washer, two six-person liferafts from Viking, and a small self-propelled tender from Pioner Boats.

Design work on the interior spaces was provided by R&M Ship Interior. The spaces themselves are kept comfortable with the aid of air conditioning systems and a ventilation system. Alu Design and Services supplied the chairs used in the wheelhouse while Libra-Plast provided the exterior doors.

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