Tourism and technology company Brim Explorer has signed contracts for the construction of the world's most efficient battery-powered passenger vessels. The two high-speed trimarans are scheduled for delivery in spring 2027.
Brim Explorer's new electric, high speed trimaran - the world's most efficient battery-powered vessel. Image Credit: Olav Opheim, Wind Naval Architets
"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," says CEO and co-founder Agnes Árnadóttir of Brim Explorer.
Brim Explorer is a Norwegian tourism and technology company offering more sustainable experiences aboard purpose-built, silent-sailing catamarans 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.
With capacity for 180 guests, the two new zero-emission vessels will be used for emission-free, silent sightseeing and experience cruises in some of Norway's most spectacular areas.
The World's Most Efficient
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 – not 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 will be the world's most efficient battery-powered vessels.
"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," says CTO and co-founder Espen Larsen-Hakkebo of Brim Explorer.
Showcasing Norwegian Maritime Industry
The total investment in the two vessels is in the order of NOK 200 million (USD 20 mill), the largest in Brim Explorer´s history. The project will generate significant ripple effects for Norwegian shipyards and suppliers in composites, maritime outfitting, battery systems, design and systems integration.
"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," said Bjørn Angeltveit, CEO of Herde Kompositt and Odda Industrier.
"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," said Thomas Nilsen-Aas of Horten Skipsreparasjoner.
Groundbreaking Design
Like the advanced technology, the design of the two new trimarans is an evolution of Brim Explorer's award-winning vessels. Both Brim Explorer’s existing vessels and the new trimarans are designed by Einar Hareide, while the trimaran hulls are designed by Wind Naval Architects. In addition to sightseeing with spectacular views from both generous outdoor decks and panoramic windows, the new vessels are also built to offer dinner cruises and other evening experiences.
The two new trimarans are scheduled to sail their maiden voyages in spring 2027.
Facts – Brim Explorer’s New Trimarans
- The world’s most efficient battery-powered zero-emission passenger vessels
- Specially designed for ocean-based experiences such as fjord cruises, whale safaris, Northern Lights sightseeing, and exclusive dinner and corporate events
- Delivery: 2027
- Shipyards: Herde Kompositt / Horten Skipsreparasjoner
- Hull: Brim Trimaran by Wind Naval Architechts
- Length: 24 meters
- Beam: 11 meters
- Capacity: 180 guests
- Propulsion: Battery
- Speed: 20 knots
- Range (without charging): 100 nautical miles