VESSEL REVIEW | Sigrid Sigurdsdotter – Catamaran newbuilds for Torghatten’s Nordland commuter service

Norwegian builder Brødrene Aa recently handed over two new catamaran ferries to Nordland Fylkeskommune (NFK) for operation by Torghatten Trafikkselskap.

Liv Grannes and Sigrid Sigurdsdotter were named in honour of two notable female figures in Norwegian history. Liv Grannes was a member of the Norwegian Resistance during World War II while Sigrid Sigurdsdotter was a known viking leader from the ninth century.

Each ferry has a length of 30 metres, a beam of 8.3 metres, a draught of 1.9 metres, a displacement of 280 tonnes, and capacity for 95 passengers as well as cargo loaded on six pallets. The cargo pallets are loaded and unloaded with the aid of a Palfinger Marine PK8501M crane fitted on the aft deck.

The ferries were designed to be integrated seamlessly into the existing NFK transport network. Each newbuild is thus equipped with two fore and two aft gangways from Undertun to facilitate the easy embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at any of the ports along their intended routes without the need to modify the existing quays and other infrastructure.

Two MAN D2862LE428 diesel engines that each produce 882 kW and are equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) drive a Servogear arrangement consisting of gearboxes and controllable-pitch propellers. The entire configuration on each ferry delivers a service speed of 27 knots and a maximum speed of 30 knots.

Auxiliary power is provided by a John Deere 4045DFM70 diesel engine while enhanced manoeuvrability is possible thanks to the installation of an SH400 bow thruster from Sleipner. Humphree active ride control meanwhile ensures improved stability and comfort even at the higher speeds at which the ferries will normally sail.

The steering system on each newbuild was supplied by Brunvoll.

The main cabin has seats supplied by West Mekan Produksjon, toilet installations from Jets, large windows so that passengers can enjoy clear views of the surroundings, and air conditioning for use especially during the summer months. The ventilation systems are all from Frigomar.

The wheelhouse has seating provided by Recaro and also features Westcon Power and Automation's proprietary automation system that controls and monitors all of the onboard operational systems. All navigation and communication electronics were supplied by Landor Larsen Elektronikk while the electrical installation works were carried out by Eikefjord Elektro.

Each ferry is also equipped for dealing with emergencies thanks to a Nortronic firefighting system and lifeboats from Survitec.

Liv Grannes and Sigrid Sigurdsdotter are the fourth and fifth high-speed vessels built by Brødrene Aa to serve Norway's Nordland County Municipality. Torghatten Trafikkselskap will operate the newbuilds on the Sandnessjøen-Herøy-Gardsøya/Vega-Brønnøysund-Rørøy and Brønnøysund-Sandnessjøen connections.

Click here for the other news, features and reviews comprising this month's Passenger Vessel Week.