Damen Shipyards Group and its new Norwegian partner, Folla Maritime Service AS, have contracted with leading salmon producer Nova Sea for the delivery of another in a series of hybrid workboats.
The agreement is for the construction and delivery of a new FollaPower 50EL hybrid workboat. This vessel will be the Folla yard’s newbuild no 106 – and the sixth vessel of this specific type to be delivered to Nova Sea.
The newbuild for Nova Sea is a single-hull design, 15 by 8 metres, powered by a twin propulsion system. It includes two electric motors, a 444 kWh battery pack and two electric thrusters. The result is a quieter working environment, contributing to a higher standard of crew conditions. An onboard generator can also assist with propulsion and battery charging when necessary, and the vessel is well equipped to perform a wide range of work operations efficiently.
‘We have already taken delivery of several hybrid vessels from the shipyard, and several more are currently under construction,’ commented Bjørn Helge Hjartåker, production director / COO at Nova Sea.
‘Nova Sea entered into a framework agreement with Folla Maritime back in 2022, and this contract reaffirms our strong partnership with them. We have implemented an investment plan to renew our fleet with a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. Nova Sea, we remain committed to our trusted partners and development strategy.’
The contract is part of Nova Sea’s broader plan to replace its existing fleet with more environmentally friendly and sustainable vessels. The choice of the FollaPower 50EL as their new workboat reflects Nova Sea’s emphasis on sustainable salmon farming and its clear vision and strategy for operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
‘Folla Maritime and Nova Sea have had a close partnership for some time, and we are proud to have once again earned their trust with the signing for another vessel,’ said Folla managing director Otto Sjølien.
‘The FollaPower 50EL has been developed in close collaboration with Nova Sea, and this confirms the already strong and positive relationship between our shipyard and Nova Sea as our customer.’
By delivering a hybrid vessel that meets Nova Sea’s requirements, Folla Maritime continues to demonstrate its innovation capabilities and its commitment to delivering high-quality products from its yard in Flatanger which yard builds aluminium workboats and personnel vessels, and performs servicing, repairs, and upgrades on existing fleets. The company also has a department that brokers second-hand vessels for the aquaculture sector.
Earlier this year Damen reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Folla Maritime Service, bringing together Damen’s expertise in shipbuilding and Folla Maritime’s deep knowledge of the Norwegian aquaculture industry to offer a diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid and electric vessels tailored for various offshore and nearshore aquaculture activities.
