NORWAY —AQS Rederi has expanded its electric vessel programme with an order for four additional service vessels from Norwegian shipbuilder Salthammer Båtbyggeri, bringing the total number of vessels in the programme to six. The vessels are based on the Coastern 28eH design developed by Tomra Engineering and are intended for service operations supporting Norway’s aquaculture industry.
Two vessels in the programme have already been completed and launched, while the four newly ordered units are preliminarily scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. The vessels will operate along the Norwegian coastline, providing marine services to the aquaculture sector.
The vessels are being built at Salthammer Båtbyggeri’s yard in Vestnes and will use electric propulsion, high-capacity battery systems and shore-charging capability. The expansion increases AQS Rederi’s planned fleet of vessels using the same electrified vessel concept and reflects continued investment in lower-emission marine operations.
Steel for the six-vessel programme is being supplied by Tibnor, with SSAB identified as the steel producer. The programme is expected to require approximately 900 tonnes of steel, although the final volume remains subject to engineering. For the Norwegian shipbuilding and aquaculture sectors, the order supports demand for specialised service vessels combining electrified propulsion with the operational requirements of coastal fish-farming activities.
