Norway-based tourism and technology company Brim Explorer has signed contracts for the construction of what the company says will be the world’s most efficient battery-powered passenger vessels; two high-speed trimarans which are scheduled for delivery in spring 2027.
Brim Explorer aims to offer sustainable experiences aboard purpose-built, silent-sailing vessels in Norway´s Tromsø, Lofoten, Bodø, Oslo, Stavanger and Svalbard.
Herde Kompositt in Hardanger, Norway, will build the hulls using advanced composite technology, while final outfitting, including system integration and interior work will be done by Horten Shipyards south of Oslo.
Brim Explorer CEO and co-founder Agnes Árnadóttir said: “This is a milestone for both Brim Explorer and the Norwegian maritime industry. We are not only proving that it is possible to combine zero emissions, high speed and long range – we are developing and building the vessels in Norway, with Norwegian suppliers.”
With capacity for 180 guests, the two new 24m x 11m zero-emission vessels will be used for emission-free, silent sightseeing and experience cruises in some of Norway’s most spectacular areas. The two new trimarans have been developed by Brim Tech, Brim Explorer’s in-house technology division, following the principle of ‘electric by design’. This means the vessels are engineered from the ground up for electric propulsion rather than converted from fossil-fuel solutions.
With a range of 100 nautical miles (nearly 200 km) at 20 knots without recharging, the new fully electric trimarans are expected to be the most efficient battery-powered vessels yet developed.
Brim Explorer CTO and co-founder Espen Larsen-Hakkebo said: “We have been using our existing vessels as test platforms for several years, which has given us unique insights. We know what actually works in real-world conditions, not just in simulations. That´s the difference between developing something that looks good on paper and something that delivers in practice every single day.”
The total investment in the two vessels is in the order of NOK 200m (US$ 20m), the largest in Brim Explorer´s history. The project is expected to generate significant benefits for Norwegian shipyards and suppliers in composites, maritime outfitting, battery systems, design and systems integration.
Bjørn Angeltveit, CEO Herde Kompositt and Odda Industrier, said: “This is a prestige project and the most advanced composite structure we have ever built. The combination of low weight, high speed and long distances places extreme demands on both materials and construction methods. The project demonstrates what Norwegian shipbuilding can achieve when the requirements are world-class.” Thomas Nilsen-Aas, Horten Skipsreparasjoner, added: “This is a unique project that combines advanced maritime technology, high precision and ambitions to show both the maritime industry and future guests what is possible. Projects like these are essential for advancing the Norwegian shipbuilding industry in a green and high-tech direction.”
The design of the two new trimarans is an evolution of Brim Explorer’s existing vessels. Both these and the new trimarans are designed by Einar Hareide, while the trimaran hulls are designed by Wind Naval Architects. In addition to sightseeing with views from both generous outdoor decks and panoramic windows, the new vessels are built to offer dinner cruises and other evening experiences.
Image: Brim Explorer’s new electric, high speed trimaran (credit: Olav Opheim, Wind Naval Architects)
