Author: Mette Møller

Hvide Sande, Denmark – Hvide Sande Shipyard has recently signed a newbuild contract with the Canadian fishing company Clearwater Seafoods, one of North America’s leading seafood and fisheries operators. The contract covers the construction of a 40.9-meter state-of-the-art fishing vessel specifically designed for lobster fishing in Canadian waters.

Clearwater Seafoods, based in Nova Scotia and established in 1976, has grown into a global leader in shellfish harvesting and export. The new vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027, is purpose-built for lobster fishing using traps deployed through a moonpool – an opening in the ship’s hull. This solution allows for safe and stable handling of fishing gear, protected from harsh weather conditions on deck, enhancing both crew safety and operational efficiency.

“From the very beginning, Clearwater has approached the project with a detail-oriented mindset, as they are experts in lobster fishing. This has been both a pleasure and a significant advantage in the planning process, and we are excited to get started,” says Jeppe Hoff, COO at Hvide Sande Shipyard.

The vessel has been designed by Norwegian naval architecture company Skipsteknisk AS, known for its expertise in developing advanced fishing vessels. With a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability, Skipsteknisk AS has created a design that optimizes the vessel for lobster fishing while ensuring compliance with modern industry standards.

The hull is expected to arrive in Hvide Sande in mid-2026, where the shipyard will begin outfitting the vessel. Designed to accommodate a crew of up to 20, the vessel will feature live tanks with circulating seawater to ensure the highest quality of the harvested lobsters.

With more than seven decades of experience in building fishing vessels, Hvide Sande Shipyard is no stranger to the industry. Yet, the upcoming project presents a unique project for the shipbuilders and fitters at the yard – it marks the first time the shipyard will construct a lobster vessel. The vessel will be Hvide Sande Shipyard’s 160th newbuild.

Clearwater Seasfoods

Clearwater was founded as a lobster distributor in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1976. Since then, it has grown into one of North America’s largest seafood companies, operating its own fleet.

Clearwater’s focus on science, local ownership, sustainability, and innovation has positioned the company as a leader in the global seafood market.

After a year of restoration work at Hvide Sande Shipyard, the historic Lightship No. XVII, Gedser Rev, is now returning to its place in Elsinore Harbor. The lightship, built in 1895 and owned by the National Museum of Denmark, has undergone its second restoration at Hvide Sande Shipyard to preserve its maritime heritage and ensure that it can continue to tell its unique story at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark.

In a press release from the M/S Maritime Museum, Jens Broch, Chairman of the Lightship Guild, says: “It has been so exciting to follow. A team of us volunteers have been over there looking and helping along the way, and now we’re looking forward to bringing the ship home and continuing to work on communicating the ship’s history in our historic port in Elsinore.”

The restoration has primarily focused on the ship’s stern, frames and inner lining, but other parts of the ship have also received a much-needed upgrade. “We are proud to have once again had the pleasure of restoring the historic Lightship Nr. XVII. It has been an exciting and challenging task, and we are delighted with the result,” says Jesper Vejlgaard, who was responsible for the restoration at Hvide Sande Shipyard.

From Hvide Sande back home to Helsingør

Early Sunday morning, January 19, 2025, Gedser Rev left Hvide Sande in the morning fog and is now being towed by the tug Gitte Vig around Skagen towards Helsingør, where it is expected to arrive on Wednesday.

The Gedser Rev lightship has a rich history, including an important role during the Cold War, when the crew rescued refugees from the GDR on board. The ship is on long-term loan to Elsinore Municipality and is an important part of the maritime cultural heritage in Denmark.

Hvide Sande, Denmark – Hvide Sande Shipyard A/S is proud to announce that it has won the contract for newbuild number 159, a state-of-the-art electric hybrid ferry, for Tjörns Hamnar AB in Sweden. The ferry will be Hvide Sande Shipyard’s tenth newbuild featuring advanced electric/hybrid technology, thereby strengthening the shipyard’s position as one of the leading providers of environmentally friendly maritime solutions in Northern Europe.

The new ferry, designed by FKAB Marine Design, is intended to replace the ferry Hakefjord, which has served the routes between the islands of Tjörn, Tjörnekalv, Åstol, and Stora Dyrön northwest of Gothenburg since its delivery from Hvide Sande Shipyard back in 1998.

“It is a great honor to deliver another ferry to Tjörns Hamnar AB. It is not only a fine addition to the shipyard’s resume but also a testament to the continuity and dedication that Hvide Sande Shipyard represents,” says Group CEO Carl Erik Kristensen, who also helped build Hakefjord during his apprenticeship as a ship carpenter in the late 1990s.

Capacity Increase and Transition to Hybrid Operation

With a length of 27 meters, the new ferry offers space for up to 180 passengers, including indoor seating for 75 people, representing a capacity increase of about 50% compared to its predecessor, Hakefjord.

The newbuild stands out with its innovative electric hybrid operation, where powerful electric motors drive the propellers, supported by a battery bank charged using electricity from shore for normal operation or a diesel generator that can run on biofuel for longer voyages if necessary.

This shift from traditional diesel operation to electric hybrid technology is a clear proof of Hvide Sande Shipyard’s commitment to the green transition and the shipyard’s strategy to deliver vessels that perfectly fit the customers’ needs and environmental responsibilities.

With the two ongoing ferry constructions, including the upcoming electric ferry for Torghatten in Norway, Hvide Sande Shipyard continues to cement its position as one of the most experienced and professional shipbuilders in Northern Europe within electric and hybrid ferries.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of the green transition and to offer our customers ships that are not only technologically advanced but also ideally sized for efficient operation and service,” says Jeppe Hoff, COO at Hvide Sande Shipyard.

Passenger ship number 21

The new ferry, which will also be the shipyard’s passenger ship number 21, is expected to sail from Hvide Sande in the fall of 2025.

Hvide Sande Shipyard A/S is a Danish shipyard with a strong tradition of quality and innovation in shipbuilding. With a history spanning over seven decades, the shipyard has specialized in the construction of electric hybrid ferries and other special vessels that support the green transition and contribute to a more sustainable future.

About Tjörns Hamnar AB

Tjörns Hamnar AB is a Swedish port operator that manages several port facilities and ferry routes connecting the islands in the northwest of Gothenburg. The company is dedicated to improving transportation options for both locals and visitors while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Hvide Sande Shipyard is both proud and humbled to have received the order for the yard’s 20th passenger vessel – a 100% electric ferry and the yard’s largest to date – for the Norwegian ferry company Torghatten.

With more than 125 years of experience, it is an experienced company that Hvide Sande Shipyard is pleased to be working with to build a new 50-meter all-electric ferry. “Torghatten is a very qualified customer, and this has been evident throughout the process. They know exactly what they want and what they do not want. It is a great advantage for a project like this that both parties know what is required,” says Carl Erik Kristensen, CEO of Seasight Group. “We look forward to working together and delivering a good quality vessel to Torghatten on time.”

The ferry will have a capacity of 30 cars and up to 149 passengers and will operate in the Tromsø area north of the Arctic Circle. The project is already well underway and the hull is expected to be delivered to Hvide Sande in the summer of 2025 so that outfitting can begin.

Familiar technology, but on a larger scale

This is not the first time that Hvide Sande Shipyard has built an electric ferry. The technology is therefore well known and there has been good experience with similar ferries, one of which was built for Torghatten’s sister company Molslinjen.

“The difference lies in the fact that the upcoming construction involves a battery pack of almost 4 megawatt hours, which is about four times larger than what we have built so far. We are therefore looking forward to applying our experience with the basic concept on a larger scale,” says the yard’s COO, Jeppe Hoff.

Torghatten is also excited about the collaboration: “It is important to develop and strengthen competence in new and environmentally friendly ship technology in Scandinavia. We are therefore very pleased to have landed this contract with a Danish shipyard,” says Marius Hansen, CEO of Torghatten Nord.

Green transition through alternative fuels – electric, hybrid, hydrogen and methanol

Alternative fuels have long been part of the strategy at the Danish Shipyard. In fact, Hvide Sande Shipyard already has 9 new builds with either fully electric or hybrid solutions in the engine room.

“It means a lot to us to be part of the green transition in shipping and we are happy to be able to use our experience from our previous projects for the further transition of ferry operations in Northern Europe,” says Jeppe Hoff.

Although electricity is still the most used alternative fuel in shipping, Hvide Sande is also working with other solutions. Two projects are currently underway to convert vessels to hydrogen and methanol propulsion, respectively.

Ship building since 1950

Hvide Sande Shipyard was established in 1950 with a focus on new building, maintenance and repair of local fishing vessels. Since 1990, the yard has also built ferries and workboats, and for the past 12 years, the green transition in shipping has been an important part of the activities. The new ferry for Torghatten will be Hvide Sande Shipyard’s newbuilding number 158.

Hvide Sande, Denmark, December 20, 2023 – With the delivery of the towing and supply vessel Skawlink V, Hvide Sande Shipyard A/S proudly celebrates its 154th newbuilding and the fourth vessel delivered to Saga Shipping since 2003.

It has been a great pleasure to follow Saga Shipping on its journey from a small local agent in Skagen to a marine service provider with offices in Skagen, Kalundborg and Copenhagen.

Four spezialized service vessels

Since 2003, we have proudly contributed to the company’s capacity growth with the delivery of no less than four specialized service vessels named Skawlink III, Skawlink IV, Skawlink V and Belt Supply.

• Skawlink III, NB 104: Towing and supply vessel with a tonnage of 78.5 GT, delivered in 2003.
• Belt Supply, NB 113: Supply vessel with a tonnage of 38.5 GT, delivered in 2007.
• Skawlink IV, NB 128: Towing and transfer vessel with a tonnage of 140.90 GT, delivered in 2013.
• Skawlink V, NB 154: Towing and supply vessel with a tonnage of 154 GT, delivered in 2023.

“We are delighted to have delivered these exceptional vessels to Saga Shipping,” said Jeppe Hoff, COO of Hvide Sande Shipyard. “Each vessel represents Saga Shipping’s commitment to excellence and our ambition to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Saga Shipping as they continue to grow.”

About Saga Shipping

Saga Shipping A/S, established in 1972 in Skagen, with offices in Kalundborg and Copenhagen, is located at the main junctions on the sea routes to and from the Baltic Sea, serving ships passing through Danish waters.

The company operates a modern fleet of vessels designed for efficiency, whether transporting cargo or people. Its partnership with Hvide Sande Shipyard has resulted in the delivery of several state-of-the-art vessels, further strengthening Saga’s position in the maritime services sector.