Designed by Tomra Engineering AS, the workboats will support AQS's strategy of a gradual transition to a more sustainable fleet.
Image: Tomra Engineering AS.
Norwegian aquaculture vessel operator AQS announced a contract with Salthammer Båtbyggeri, Norway's oldest shipyard, for the construction of four new, modern service vessels, which will be built entirely at Salthammer's shipyard in Vestnes, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway.
According to Salthammer's statement, this is not only the largest contract in the history of both companies, but also an important part of the long-term renewal of AQS's fleet, which currently comprises 17 service vessels. The new projects, which will be yard numbers 161, 162, 163, and 164, will join those already under construction at the shipyard, both of which are scheduled for delivery in 2026.
"This contract represents our largest investment to date in a long-term building program. It is an important step in the strategy for continued growth as a leading supplier of high-tech solutions to our customers," said Robert Hundstad, CEO of AQS.
"Documented and standardized solutions, supported by decades of operational experience, provide vessels with high safety, a good working environment, and strong operational capacity. This ensures high predictability, quality, and reliability—for customers, crew, and owners," he added.
Lasse Stokkeland, Managing Director of Salthammer Båtbyggeri, also expressed his satisfaction with the contract signed with AQS. "This agreement shows that collaboration pays off, and that Salthammer's model—based on close cooperation between the shipowner, designer, and shipyard—creates solutions that provide added value and confidence in the product for shipowners," he said.
"It is our largest contract ever and provides a solid foundation for further development of the shipyard and Norwegian boatbuilding," Stokkeland continued. "We look forward to continuing the good cooperation we have with AQS in the years ahead."
Robert Hundstad, CEO of AQS; Kim Aakervi, CTO of AQS; and Lasse Stokkeland, Managing Director at Salthammer.
In March 2025, the European infrastructure fund Marguerite took half ownership of AQS to support fleet expansion and long-term aquaculture services growth in Norway. The project now announced will serve to further strengthen that fleet.
According to the announcement, it will do so based on the experience and design of ongoing construction projects, with a focus on standardization, energy efficiency, and robust solutions adapted to demanding operations.
"By building on ongoing projects, we are able to make good use of experience from previous deliveries. Serial construction gives us better control over technical solutions, cost levels, and quality, while we continue to develop solutions that ensure high safety and a good working environment. These vessels are well adapted to operations and the requirements of the market," explained Kim Aakervik, CTO of AQS.
Developed in close collaboration between the shipowner, the designer and the shipyard, the vessels—with an overall length of 28 meters and a beam of 12.6 meters—are of the Coastern 28 zH type and are designed by Tomra Engineering AS, which offers engineering services for the design of vessels, and is one of the companies that make up the Salthammer Group.
The shipbuilder said the design was developed with flexibility and future energy solutions in mind, and supports AQS's strategy of a gradual transition to a more sustainable fleet. The vessels will feature all-electric propulsion, large battery capacity, and shore-based charging capabilities.
The workboats are designed for continuous 24-hour operation and for demanding tasks within the aquaculture industry, including powerful deck equipment, large cranes, high towing capacity and good solutions for working conditions and crew comfort.