Norway’s largest ambulance boat has multiple new features

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After four months of outfitting at Maritime Partner’s shipyard in Ålesund, Norway''s largest ambulance catamaran has been handed over to shipowner Loppa Legeskyssbåter.

A new foil system for ride comfort has been tested during the sea trials

She will be stationed in Øksfjord in the North of Norway and will be operated in the area of Loppa, Hasvik and the outer Altafjord. The shipowner has an 8 + 1 + 1 year contract with Finnmark Hospital in Hammerfest to operate the service.

The boat is designed with a lot of new features that owner and crew have seen the need for but have not had the opportunity to install on existing boats. The equipment will facilitate work on board the boat that will operate in some of the most challenging waters in North Norway.

Among other things, a new foil system for ride comfort has been tested during the sea trials. This is a completely new product that is designed to reduce rolling and slamming by about 30%. The Wavefoil system has worked very well during testing and is reported to have an efficiency that may exceed the predictive calculations. The result is that crew, patients and passengers have a much calmer journey.

The emergency room (ER) is equipped with two stretchers and the most modern equipment for efficient treatment of passengers in transport. The cabin is very spacious and located aft it will be the quietest place on board in bad weather. Access to the Emergency Room is primarily via an advanced stretcher lift which is also located aft.

There is heating on all decks. All exterior areas are monitored by CCTV cameras, so the bridge always has an overview of everyone on board and their safety. An advanced night / ice camera is also installed to maximize security during winter transit.

Forward of the ER there is a spacious passenger lounge, with seats for eight passengers as well as a galley and two cabins for crew rest. The passenger lounge is separate from the ER and ensures that doctors and nurses can treat patients undisturbed. The spacious bridge contains a small office and four suspension seats for the crew. The boat is fitted with the latest in navigation, communication and monitoring equipment.

By Jake Frith