The NCA’s OV Bøkfjord was one of the first battery hybrid vessels to be delivered by Kongsberg Maritime in 2016. Credit: Kongsberg Maritime.

Kongsberg Maritime has been chosen to spearhead an environmental upgrade for the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s (NCA) hybrid vessel, OV Bøkfjord.

This initiative will involve the implementation of Kongsberg Maritime’s electric Rim-Drive azimuth thrusters and an enhancement of the vessel’s hybrid capabilities.

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The NCA’s OV Bøkfjord was one of the first battery hybrid vessels to be delivered by Kongsberg Maritime in 2016.

The NCA stated that the upgrades to the vessel’s hybrid system and propulsion technology are part of its focus on “reducing environmental impacts, emission reduction, sustainable supply chain, and safer operations”.

Kongsberg Maritime has utilised operational and predictive analytics to assess current fuel consumption against various decarbonisation strategies, aiding the NCA in achieving its emission reduction objectives.

The OV Bøkfjord recharges its batteries with Norway’s hydroelectric power.

The installation of hydrodynamically refined propellers will also contribute to a reduction in underwater noise, benefiting both the crew and marine life, stated Kongsberg Maritime.

Kongsberg Maritime offshore integration and energy sales manager Eivind Midtlid said: “To maximise emission reductions, we found that changing propulsion technology to our Rim-Drive azimuth thrusters allows the vessel to operate for much longer periods on full electric, emission-free clean energy.”

The NCA, under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, is tasked with the roles of coastal management, maritime safety, and preparedness against pollution.

Operating along Norway’s coastline, the agency ensures the security and “efficiency” of the nation’s maritime infrastructure and services, such as pilotage and navigational technology.

In October 2024, Kongsberg Maritime secured a NOK800m ($73.1m) contract for ten platform supply vessels for Capital Offshore to serve the Brazilian market.

The contract includes propulsion, automation, and energy systems for each 95-metre MMC 897 CD vessel, which features integrated electrical, propulsion, and energy controls.