News
BLRT Grupp keenly participates in projects that contribute to the promotion of green sustainability and sustainable maritime development. Western Baltija Shipbuilding, a shipyard within the Estonian holding, signed a turnkey contract with Torghatten Nord AS, one of the largest maritime transport corporations in Norway, to build an all-electric ferry.
The all-electric, battery-operated ferry will transport passengers, vehicles, and cargo. The 73.3-m long and 14.3-m wide vessel will operate between Norwegian islands. The construction is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
The Norwegian Ship Design Company will collaborate with another company to develop the base design for the ferry. Meanwhile, Western Baltic Engineering, a subsidiary within BLRT Grupp, will prepare complete design documentation.
“The expansion into the electric vessel construction market is a fair opportunity to stay competitive and keep up with the current shipbuilding trends, driven by driven by the need to address climatic changes and meet the requirements imposed by the International Marine Organization, which we do by introducing new shipping technologies and innovative solutions, such as environmentally friendly fuels, digitalization, innovative design, hybrid propulsion units and more,” emphasized Fyodor Berman, Chairman of the BLRT Grupp Management Board. “That said, this turnkey ferry construction project is yet another step towards the implementation of the holding’s shipbuilding strategy.”
The ferry will have the capacity to accommodate 50 vehicles and 199 passengers. It will provide a daily lifeline between the town of Svolvær and the small island of Skrova in Lofoten. During the summer, the ferry will also travel across Vestfjord and to Skutvik on the mainland. Due to the harsh weather conditions north of the Arctic Circle, the ferry will have a fully enclosed car deck. The designers are also implementing special measures to ensure the ship’s improved energy efficiency.
According to the information available to the International Marine Organization, marine vessels are responsible for approximately 2-3% of the global CO2 emissions and 15% of the SOx emissions caused by fossil fuel combustion, significantly contributing to global warming and environmental pollution. Therefore, the exploration of alternative fuels and green technologies and their implementation will stay in the spotlight for ship owners.