Hybrid service vessel Multi Storfjord is fitted with a 1500 kWh battery pack.
Photo: Trident Aqua Services.
Norwegian companies Trident Aqua Services and Hofseth have signed an agreement for the delivery and operation of two new battery-hybrid service vessels intended to strengthen low-emission and biosecurity in the latter's aquaculture operations.
According to the announcement, Multi Storfjord and Multi Navigator exemplify the two companies' shared ambition to develop more sustainable, efficient, and biosafety-friendly solutions. Already operational, both will be officially named on June 13th at a ceremony in Ålesund, Norway, open to the public so the local community can participate in the celebration.
Both companies emphasized that this delivery represents an important milestone in their mutual collaboration, where technology, vessel design, and land-based infrastructure are considered together to develop stronger and more sustainable operations for the aquaculture industry.
Developed by Trident Aqua Services—the new group established through the merger of leading maritime service providers AquaShip, Intership and FSV Group—which, as said, will also be in charge of operating them, the new vessels have been designed by Solstrand Trading and built at the Norwegian shipyard Sletta Verft, with a focus on high operational performance, electrification and biosecurity.
In terms of electrification, Multi Storfjord is equipped with a 1,500 kWh battery, while Multi Navigator has a 1,125 kWh battery, allowing both vessels to operate exclusively on battery power for a full 12-hour workday.
The vessels are also designed to work in close conjunction with Hofseth's land-based infrastructure, enabling more efficient operations. Combined with shore-based power, these vessels will contribute to significant reductions in fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and noise, while also improving the working environment on board.
According to the release from Trident Aqua Services, with an estimated daily energy consumption of 2,420 kWh supplied from land for both vessels, in annual terms, under normal conditions, this will replace approximately 200,000 litres of fuel.
Hybrid service vessel Multi Navigator has a 1125 kWh battery pack.
Photo: Trident Aqua Services.
Designed as multipurpose units, Multi Storfjord and Multi Navigator are equipped to handle a wide variety of activities, from mooring work to advanced service operations, and have been developed to ensure a high degree of biosecurity and stable operations under demanding conditions.
Thanks to integrated systems for ROV operations, net cleaning and electrically driven pump solutions, work can be carried out within controlled parameters and with a lower risk of cross-contamination.
As specified in Trident Aqua Services' note, this provides not only greater control but also more efficient use of resources, while supporting strict animal welfare and disease prevention requirements.
"This delivery includes not only two vessels, but a complete service solution developed to create maximum value for the customer — operationally, economically and environmentally," the release reads.
For Trident Aqua Services, the delivery of Multi Storfjord and Multi Navigator represents an important milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable vessel solutions for the aquaculture industry.
"As the world's largest provider of vessel services to the aquaculture industry, we have a responsibility to drive development forward. These vessels show how we combine technology, experience and innovation to deliver solutions that create real value for our customers," said Arild Aasmyr, CEO of Trident Aqua Services.
For his part, Hofseth CEO Roger Hofseth—who will soon be stepping down to focus on the company's commercial and market development—noted that the collaboration with Trident Aqua Services provides access to cutting-edge technology and operational expertise that contribute to strengthening efficiency, biosecurity, and fish welfare in daily operations.
"We are always looking for new solutions and technology that provide more efficient operations, lower emissions and a safer everyday working environment for both people and fish. These vessels fit well with how we want to develop the future of aquaculture in Storfjorden," Hofseth claimed.
