AQS orders four additional vessels

Norwegian shipping company AQS Rederi is expanding its investment in electrified vessels by ordering four additional service vessels from Salthammer Båtbyggeri in Norway. The order now comprises a total of six vessels built using steel supplied by Tibnor. 

The first two vessels, of the Coastern 28eH type, have already been completed and launched. AQS has now decided to continue investing in the same vessel concept as part of the company’s ambition to gradually transition to a fully electric fleet. 

For SSAB, the project is a clear example of how steel produced with virtually no fossil carbon emissions from the steelmaking process can help reduce the carbon footprint across the entire value chain, including the maritime and shipbuilding industries. 

From two to six vessels 

When the collaboration was announced in 2024, AQS ordered two modern electric service vessels for the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Following the delivery of the first vessels, the company has now chosen to expand the order with an additional four vessels. 

The vessels are being built by Salthammer Båtbyggeri in Vestnes, Norway, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and electrification. The design was developed by Tomra Engineering and is tailored to meet the demanding requirements of aquaculture and coastal service operations. The four new vessels are preliminarily scheduled for delivery during 2027 and 2028. 

“The expansion of this order is another step on our journey toward a fully electric fleet. Together with Salthammer, we have developed vessels that meet our customers’ requirements for efficiency, quality and sustainability, while at the same time helping to reduce the climate footprint,” says Pål Anders Lauvsnes, COO of AQS Rederi. 

Fossil-free value chains at sea 

The maritime sector is facing increasing demands to reduce emissions. At the same time, customers and end users are looking for solutions that address the entire value chain, from material selection and construction to operation. 

For AQS and Salthammer Båtbyggeri, this collaboration demonstrates how electrification, innovative vessel design and new materials can be combined to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable shipping. 

The six vessels will operate along the Norwegian coastline, providing services to the aquaculture industry while contributing to a more sustainable maritime sector. 

Facts 
Customer: AQS Rederi AS 
Shipyard: Salthammer Båtbyggeri AS, Vestnes, Norway 
Steel supplier: SSAB via Tibnor 
Vessel type: Coastern 28eH 
Design: Tomra Engineering AS 
Number of vessels: 6 (2 delivered, 4 newly ordered) 
Application: Service vessels for the aquaculture industry 
Propulsion: Electric propulsion with high-capacity battery systems and shore charging capability 
Estimated steel volume: Approximately 900 tonnes   
Preliminary delivery schedule: 2025-2028* 

*Delivery schedule and steel volumes are preliminary and may be revised following final engineering and fact verification by the parties involved. 

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