Brunvoll announces three deals for retrofit and newbuild work

Manufacturer of propulsion, positioning and manufacturing systems Brunvoll has announced three projects in one week, demonstrating a continued period of growth for the Norwegian firm.

Last week, the company signed contracts with Utkilen for a “substantial” propulsion upgrade for two of its vessels, GOT Marine to supply a hybrid system solution, and Aes Mek Verksted for a manoeuvring and positioning system.

The Utkilen contract is for a “major” retrofit project that will allow for propulsion upgrades for two of the shipowner’s ice classed vessels as part of the company’s wider fuel and emission savings goals.

Brunvoll has created a “streamlined” retrofit design, with the two vessels, Golfstraum and Rystraum, to receive substantial upgrades, including a new gear transition and an overhaul, and a redesign of propeller blades. Utkilen has also collaborated with Becker Marine Systems to supply its Becker Mewis Duct® energy saving device for both vessels. The duct improves hydrodynamic efficiency by optimising the inflow to the propeller.

The project ties into wider investment plans Utkilen is making to make its fleet more sustainable. “This simultaneous design process for the propeller and duct, achieved through the cooperation of all parties, has demonstrated higher overall savings in our simulations compared to designing them separately. We (…) anticipate significant fuel consumption savings following the installation," stated Carl Ove Utkilen, Project Manager at Utkilen.

The contract with GOT Marine will see Brunvoll subsidiary Brunvoll Mar-El deliver a parallel hybrid solution for a new 32-metre search and rescue (SAR) vessel, which will become the largest SAR vessel along the coast of Norway. Construction of the vessel is expected to be complete by 2026. The hybrid system consists of an Energy Management System and DC Switchboard from the Triton Hybrid product range, and includes electric motors, inverters, and batteries.

Brunvoll’s contract with Aas Mek Verksted is for the delivery of a propulsion, manoeuvring, and dynamic positioning system for Njord Aquashipping’s new live fish carriers.