Norwegian Fjords remain busy during summer time as hundreds of cruise vessels sail through the spectacular UNESCO heritage sites of Norway. This has led to an increase in air pollution and defiling many of these Fjords. However, the pollution could be considerably reduced by making the cruise vessels stop closer to the coastline and using zero emission vessels.
Future of the Fjords is the latest addition to zero-emission vessels to prevent pollution that is built by Brødrene Aa. This all-electric sightseeing vessel is built for the Norwegian marine transportation company, The Fjords.
Future of the Fjords succeeds the Vision of the Fjords that became operational in 2016. Built at a cost of approximately $17m, this emission-free vessel is priced 60% more than the Vision of the Fjords. Funding for the shipbuilding project came from The Fjords as well as Enova, which is owned by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy of Norway.
Construction of the 42m long vessel began in May 2017 and was completed in April 2018. The vessel sails in the fjord, carrying a maximum of 400 sightseers between Flam and Gudvangen, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The body of the vessel is built using carbon-fibre composite materials, which is lightweight and helps in reduced consumption of energy as well as power and battery capacities. The use of lightweight carbon sandwich laminates in the hull and superstructures has helped in the reduction of approximately 50% of the weight of the vessel. Future of the Fjords has the most advanced catamaran design that has led to lessened waves and washes on the shores of fjords.
Passengers in the vessels can stroll around to approximately 80% of the available exterior of the vessel to enjoy the stunning views of the fjords. The design of the vessel is such that all the 400 passengers on board can get a front-row viewing space.
The interiors are so designed to provide a relaxing environment for passengers. To recreate a natural ambience, tone down colours and natural materials are used in the interiors. The custom-built furniture adds to the natural tone.
Accommodations for passengers are available on the two decks. The rooms provide panoramic view windows, there is an elegantly designed restaurant while on the main deck lies a large refreshment kiosk. The vessel has an advanced propulsion system and incorporates the latest IT systems for improved digital service experience.
Other Specifications of Future of the Fjords
The overall length and width of the vessel are 42m and 15m. The available storage tanks can hold 3000 litres of freshwater, 3000 liters of sewage, 2000 litres of greywater, and 100 litres of bilge water. The starboard side of the vessel has the bunker, charging, and discharge stations.
Propulsion
The Future of the Fjords vessel is powered by two electric motors of 585 horsepower each, helping the vessel to reach a speed of 16 knots (approximately 30kph) to travel 55 km before requiring recharging of the catamaran. Recharging of batteries is done at the advanced charging station. A 20 minutes docking period provides 800kWh of power to the batteries. The technologically advanced propulsion system helps in lessening noise and vibrations as well as prevention of harmful gas emissions while improving the fuel efficiency of the vessel.
Conclusion
The authorities do not want to subsidize the technologically advanced catamaran forever but to the point of making them profitable as early as possible. That seems feasible as Norway is abundant with cheap hydropower, which few other countries can match.
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