The shift towards hybrid and fully electric propulsion has accelerated in Norway, particularly in the ferry and highspeed passenger vessel segment. Brunvoll Mar-El has contributed to this development through a series of significant deliveries across multiple vessel types, including explorer vessels and fast passenger craft.
A major milestone in 2025 was the series of hybrid deliveries for the new highspeed passenger vessels operating in the Bergen area. The first vessel is already completed, the charging infrastructure is under testing, and the project is progressing steadily, with the final vessel scheduled to begin installation work in early March. These vessels will replace three conventional diesel-powered fast ferries, enabling a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions for the operator. Although Brunvoll is not the owner of the operational data, the environmental impact is expected to be considerable. One of the vessels, the Knarvik boat, has been equipped with a 5600-kWh battery: one of the largest battery systems ever installed on a highspeed passenger craft.
Brunvoll Mar-El has delivered a wide range of hybrid solutions, including parallelhybrid systems (where a diesel engine and electric motor operate in combination),series hybrid systems (where electric propulsion is supported by a generator), andfully electric solutions. These variations allow operators to adapt to operationalprofiles where energy savings and reduced emissions are most impactful.
In 2025, Brunvoll Mar-El secured a major contract to supply a parallel hybrid system for a new 32 metre search and rescue (SAR) vessel for Redningsselskapet. The vessel is being built at GOT Marine AS and will become the largest SAR vessel along the Norwegian coast when completed in 2026.
The delivery includes the Triton Energy Management System, DC switchboard, electric motors, inverters, batteries, and the full suite of Brunvoll propulsion and manoeuvring controls including Triton CPP, thruster control, steering gear, and the latest BruCon DP and joystick solution. This integrated package highlights Brunvoll’s ability to deliver a complete, energy optimised system tailored for demanding operations in rough northern waters.
Alongside its hybrid projects, Brunvoll Mar-El has seen strong growth in retrofit deliveries who replace outdated control systems on existing vessels. While less visible than newbuild projects, retrofit installations offer immediate and meaningful sustainability benefits.
Upgrading to modern Brunvoll control systems typically reduces fuel consumption by 2–8%, and in some cases up to 10%, depending on the vessel’s original configuration.
These improvements stem from more efficient propulsion control, smoother transitions, reduced engine load, and improved operational precision. Just as importantly, retrofit upgrades extend the operational lifetime of vessels, delaying the need for resource intensive newbuilds. This is a tangible contribution to circular economy principles.
Brunvoll Mar-El’s activities in 2025 illustrate a key strength: contributing to sustainability not just through forward looking hybrid and electric solutions, but also by optimising the fleet already operating today.
Together, these efforts align with broader industry goals for cleaner, more energy efficient maritime operations.
With growing demand for hybrid solutions, electrification, and modernisation of existing fleets, Brunvoll Mar-El finds itself in a period of growth and expansion. The
company’s hybrid technologies, advanced control systems and integrated Triton platform position it well to support operators as environmental requirements
continue to evolve.
Hybrid propulsion, retrofit efficiency upgrades, and digital control optimisation will remain central to the industry’s ability to meet climate targets. Through its 2025 deliveries and expanding portfolio, Brunvoll Mar-El continues to play a meaningful role in developing a more sustainable maritime sector.
