Aquaculture contractor AQS takes delivery of first hybrid service vessel from Salthammer.
AQS Rederi, a Norwegian aquaculture service vessel operator supplying fish farmers with marine support and maintenance services, has taken delivery of the hybrid workboat AQS Æge from Salthammer Båtbyggeri.
The vessel is the first in a planned six-vessel series from the Norwegian shipyard, as AQS expands capacity to serve the salmon farming sector.
A sister vessel is under construction, while contracts have also been signed for a further four vessels.
Built at Salthammer’s yard in Vestnes, AQS Æge is based on the Coastern 28 eH design from Tomra Engineering.
The 28.1-metre vessel is equipped with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, including 1,500 kW electric propulsion power and a 2,000 kWh battery pack.
The vessel also includes accommodation for up to 12 people, an 80-tonne deck winch, cranes and a 160 square metre working deck, supporting tasks such as net handling, mooring work, diving support and general farm logistics.
Salthammer Båtbyggeri is one of Norway’s oldest shipyards and builds specialist commercial vessels for fisheries, aquaculture and coastal operators.
AQS operates a fleet of 17 service vessels and employs around 200 people from its base in Flatanger.