Ulstein kicks off Color Hybrid construction

Construction has started on the Color Hybrid and is expected to complete in summer 2019 when she will service the Sandefjord-Strömstad line. Prior to being built the vessel was awarded winner of the Next Generation Ship Award at the Nor Shipping exhibition in 2017.

Very much a local project, around 70 per cent of subcontractors are Norwegian. Gunvor Ulstein, chief executive of Ulstein Group said: “When Color Line chose Ulstein Verft, the ripple effect for subcontractors and cooperatives, both regionally and nationally, is very high.”

“At Ulstein Verft alone, approximately 400-500 people will be involved in this project,” she added.

The Colour Hybrid will switch to batteries when she reaches the fjord outside Sandefjord and will be powered by battery through the fjord, without noise or harmful emissions. When moored, the vessel will be charged by an onshore connection.

The ship will accommodate 2,000 passengers and 500 cars and will have navigation and communication systems provided by Kongsberg, a Siemens battery, propellers and gears from Brunvoll and a main engine from Rolls-Royce. Pumps will be supplied by Allweiler with Alfa Laval responsible for fuel oil separators and electric heating. Power and control will be through Ulstein’s COM communication system.