The Norrskaer is an aluminium catamaran with good stability and loading capacity and low hull resistance requiring less power and thus delivering better economy than a heavier GRP alternative. Aluminium is also tough, fully recyclable and non-hygroscopic. The broad catamaran hull gives the 18.6m long craft a beam of 5.3m to provide a wide and flush working deck and the stability to handle buoys and beacons. A hydraulic ramp in the bow allows a service vehicle to be driven onto land while the vessel's length keeps the propeller safely in deeper water.

Propeller propulsion was chosen as an alternative to Finland's now traditional waterjet systems for such craft because waterjets tend to get blocked by ice in the winter.

The Norrskaer's propellers allow for an extended working season.

Another new feature of the vessel is its joystick steering system. With the propellers wide apart, the vessel retains the handling ease of a twin waterjet craft while simultaneously maintaining exceptional steering stability.

Power is provided by twin Iveco 8210 SRM 45 engines rated 331kW at 1,800rpm. These give the Norrskaer a top speed of 24.6 knots and enabled the vessel to maintain an average speed of over 20 knots on a 200 nautical mile maiden voyage through 3m high waves.

MJ Information No: 16608