Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has been selected to class two all-electric high-speed trimarans for Norwegian operator Brim Explorer, supporting the development of zero-emission passenger vessels.

The trimarans will be built by Herde Kompositt in Hardanger, with outfitting to be completed by Horten Skipsreparasjoner. The vessels have been developed by Brim Tech, Brim Explorer’s technology division, drawing on nearly six years of testing and optimisation using the company’s existing fleet in Northern Norway and Oslo.

Designed specifically for electric propulsion, the vessels are based on operational experience gathered in Arctic environments, fjords and open sea conditions. They feature lightweight construction and an energy-efficient hull form developed by WIND Naval Architects.

Each trimaran will have a capacity for up to 180 passengers and is expected to achieve a range of around 100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 20 knots on a single charge.

Bureau Veritas said its role will include supporting the integration of advanced technologies and ensuring compliance with classification standards for the newbuilds.

Once delivered, the vessels are set to operate zero-emission sightseeing services in Norway’s fjords, reflecting ongoing efforts to deploy electric propulsion in passenger transport.