AQS orders four new service vessels

The company has struck an agreement with the family-owned shipbuilder Salthammer Båtbyggeri, one of Norway’s oldest shipyards.

This, says AQS, is the largest contract ever for both companies and an important part of AQS’ long-term fleet renewal. The projects are in addition to the two vessels AQS already has under construction at the shipyard, both of which will be delivered during 2026.

The vessels, which will receive the shipyard’s building numbers 161, 162, 163 and 164, will be built entirely at Salthammer Båtbyggeri AS’s shipyard in Vestnes.

They are of the Coastern 28 zH type, designed by Tomra Engineering AS, with a maximum length of 28 metres and a beam of 12.6 metres.

Special features include all-electric propulsion, large battery capacity and arrangements for charging from shore. The design has been developed with flexibility and future energy solutions in mind, AQS said, and will support the company’s strategy of gradual transition to a more sustainable fleet.

AQS said: “They have been developed in close co-operation between the shipping company, designer and shipyard.

“The project builds on the experience and design from ongoing construction, with a focus on standardisation, energy efficiency and robust solutions adapted to demanding operations.

“This contract represents our largest investment in a long-term construction program to date. It is an important step in the strategy for further growth as a leading supplier of high-tech solutions to our customers.”

Robert Hundstad, CEO of AQS said: “This is an important step in the strategy for further growth as a leading supplier of high-tech solutions to our customers.”