New partners agree contract for new hybrid workboat

The FollaPower 50EL vessel will be the 106th from the shipyard, and the sixth to Nova Sea, which has a broader plan to replace its fleet ‘with more environmentally friendly and sustainable vessels’, it says.

The single-hull vessel measures 15m x 8m and will be powered by a twin propulsion system – two electric motors with a 444kWh battery pack and two electric thrusters. The onboard generator can also kick in if needed for propulsion or battery charging.

Damen bought a majority stake in Folla Maritime Service, which is based in Flatanger, in April. Folla specialises in newbuilds and servicing vessels in the fishing, or aquaculture, industry, building aluminium workboats and personnel vessels.

The deal was struck so that the two shipyards could offer a diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid and electric vessels tailored for different offshore and nearshore aquaculture activities, Damen says.

“We have already taken delivery of several hybrid vessels from the shipyard, and several more are currently under construction,” said Bjørn Helge Hjartåker, Production Director/COO at Nova Sea. “Nova Sea entered into a framework agreement with Folla Maritime back in 2022, and this contract reaffirms our strong partnership with them. We have implemented an investment plan to renew our fleet with a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. Nova Sea, we remain committed to our trusted partners and development strategy.”