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Servogear propelled ‘Future of The Fjords’ – Ship of the Year at SMM

The world’s largest maritime trade fair, SMM in Hamburg opened Tuesday 4 September.

The Servogear powered, fully electric ‘Future of The Fjords’ was awarded the prestigious Ship of the Year award from Norwegian maritime magazine ‘Skipsrevyen’ at SMM in Hamburg.

The world’s largest maritime trade fair, SMM in Hamburg opened Tuesday 4 September. To kick-off the week, the renowned shipping magazine ‘Skipsrevyen’ held its traditional ‘Ship of the Year’ ceremony.

Groundbreaking achievement

The world’s first fully electric cruise vessel of its kind, Servogear Ecoflow Propulsor equipped and emission-free ‘Future of The Fjords’ was probably an obvious nomination to this year’s award. In tough competition with other green projects, a highly competent jury selected the characteristic vessel, including its unique power dock, as Ship of the Year.

– It is an honour to be a part of such a groundbreaking achievement which comes years ahead of the legislation that will make Norwegian fjords emission free. Servogear’s contribution to sustainable tourism is improved energy efficiency, silence and less vibrations. Our congratulations goes out to the shipyard Brødrene Aa and the operator The Fjords, CEO Torleif Stokke of Servogear states.

At one with nature

With the Future of The Fjords the passengers are at one with nature, due to its open air design, accessibility, low on vibrations and silent propulsion. The ship owner the Fjords can offer tourists a sustainable journey through vulnerable nature.

CEO Tor Øyvin Aa and ship designer Torstein Aa of Brødrene Aa received the price together with Rolf Sandvik of The Fjords. The award was handed out by Norwegian ambassador to Germany, Petter Ølberg.

– We want to share this price with everyone that has been a part of this project. We are a shipowner that simply orders a product. We have a lot of subcontractors that allow us to build such a zero emissions vessel. We have companies such as Servogear, West Mekan, Zem Energy, Westcon and of course Brødrene Aa, that has managed all of the contracts for us, the CEO of The Fjords, Rolf Sandvik says.

Two out of two awards

It is only two years ago the predecessor of ‘Future of The Fjords’, called ‘Vision of The Fjords’ received the same award at the same trade fair in Hamburg.

– With ‘Future of The Fjords’ we take the technology to the next level compared to the hybrid ‘Vision of The Fjords’. To have the right partners are very important, such as Westcon and Servogear in this case. We are really happy to receive this award, not only for the vessel, but also for the power dock, which is a part of the concept, CEO of Brødrene Aa, Tor Øyvin Aa says.