Norwegian company Brim Explorer has announced a significant investment in sustainable maritime technology, signing contracts for the construction of two fully electric trimarans. The company claims these vessels will set a new standard as the world’s most efficient battery-powered ferries, aiming to enhance the tourist experience with silent, emission-free ocean excursions.
Ambitious Expansion for Sustainable Tourism
Brim Explorer, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, positions itself as a leader in eco-conscious maritime tourism. The company specializes in providing “silent and sustainable ocean excursions” utilizing a fleet that currently comprises both electric and hybrid-electric vessels. This latest move signals a commitment to further expanding its zero-emission fleet.
The company plans to integrate the two new fully electric vessels into its operations by the first half of 2027. This expansion follows years of operation and development with its existing fleet, which includes three hybrid-electric and two battery-only boats.
Innovative Design for Enhanced Passenger Experience
Developed by Brim Tech, Brim Explorer’s in-house technology division, the new trimarans are designed to offer an immersive and environmentally friendly experience for up to 180 guests. The vessels are intended for emission-free and silent sightseeing cruises in Norway’s scenic locations.
Each new vessel will measure 24 metres in length with a beam of 11 metres. A key feature is their projected battery-only range of 100 nautical miles (approximately 200 kilometres) while maintaining a speed of up to 20 knots. This performance metric underscores the company’s claim of high efficiency for battery-powered marine transport.
Norwegian Collaboration in Maritime Manufacturing
The innovative trimaran hulls have been designed by Wind Naval Architects. The construction itself will leverage advanced composite technology and will be carried out by Herde Kompositt, a Norwegian company based in Hardanger. Further system integration and interior outfitting will be handled by Horten Shipyards, located south of Oslo.
This project represents a substantial financial commitment for Brim Explorer, with the total investment in the two new trimarans estimated at approximately NOK 200 million, which is close to $A30 million.
A Milestone for Sustainable Maritime Industry
Agnes Árnadóttir, CEO and co-founder of Brim Explorer, highlighted the significance of this development for both the company and the broader Norwegian maritime sector. “This is a milestone for both Brim Explorer and the Norwegian maritime industry,” she stated.
Árnadóttir emphasized the company’s achievement in meeting stringent performance and sustainability goals. “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,” she added, underscoring the local economic impact and technical capabilities involved.
Real-World Validation Drives Innovation
Espen Larsen-Hakkebo, CTO and co-founder of Brim Explorer, pointed to the company’s practical experience as crucial to its design and development process. “We have been using our existing vessels as test platforms for several years, which has given us unique insights,” he explained.
Larsen-Hakkebo stressed the importance of translating theoretical designs into functional, reliable technology. “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,” he commented, highlighting the company’s focus on practical performance and reliability in its electric boat technology.