After an extensive refit, the Fulton Energi I departed from Hvide Sande Shipyard. The traditional vessel has been extensively transformed into a modern, fully functional training ship. Now its ready to welcome youngsters for seamanship instruction and active sailing.

A comprehensive project

The renovation of Fulton Energi I included substantial upgrades to the interior and exterior of the vessel. The entire hull was sandblasted and treated with a new protective coating to ensure its durability and longevity. Inside, the wheelhouse was carefully renovated. The deckhouse was extended to include two additional cabins and a new toilet facility. The engine room was significantly upgraded with the installation of a 129 kW John Deere main engine and shaft arrangement, supplied by West Diesel.

All auxiliary systems were modernized to integrate with the new propulsion setup. Electrical installations across the vessel were thoroughly inspected and updated to meet current operational standards. In line with Hvide Sande Shipyard’s commitment to sustainability, solar panels were installed to improve the vessel’s energy efficiency.

A modern training ship with new purpose

The Fulton Foundation acquired Fulton Energi I with the intention of using it as a platform for maritime education and sailing activities. The mission was clear: expand and modernize the vessel to support its new role. Significant improvements to the accommodation areas and technical systems were required to meet the functional and regulatory demands of a modern educational environment.

The Danish Maritime Authority has officially classified the vessel as a cargoship. Constructed of steel, the vessel measures 19,28 meters in length, with a beam of 5,7 meters and a draft of 2,9 meters.

Jakob Jensen, director of Fulton Foundation, reflects on the project, “It has been a pleasure to follow the transformation of Fulton Energi I. We have worked hard to create a ship that is not only technically updated and provides the best possible framework for teaching and living aboard. It’s a comprehensive renovation where we have emphasized both functionality and comfort.”

Ready for new adventures

The result is a vessel that meets today’s technical, functional, and environmental standards. With its renewed visual identity and improved onboard experience, Fulton Energi I is now ready for future sailing. Technical upgrades support efficient operation, and the renewed interior layout offers a more comfortable environment for life at sea. The ship is ready to serve for many years to come, confidently and reliably fulfilling its new purpose.

Gallery

ESVAGT, OSK Design, and Hvide Sande Shipyard have joined forces to raise the bar in offshore wind logistics with the development of a next-generation transfer boat. The new boat is larger, more robust, and designed to carry more technicians and cargo. Technicians were very satisfied after testing in March.

ESVAGT revolutionized offshore wind operations when it introduced the boat transfer of wind turbine technicians using its purpose-built Safe Transfer Boats (STBs).

These boats filled a critical market need, and today, the STB concept – featuring experienced seafarers and custom-designed boats plays a vital role in enhancing flexibility and efficiency across offshore wind farms throughout Europe.

Now, ESVAGT, in collaboration with OSK Design and Hvide Sande Shipyard, is taking the next step with the STB15: a larger boat capable of transferring more technicians and cargo. In addition to traditional boat landings, it also supports the GUS system, which hoists technicians directly onto the turbine platform.

“Our SOV concept together with transfer boats has proven its potential and created a demand for handling even more tasks with STBs,” says Søren Westphal, Senior Project Manager at ESVAGT and head of boat development in ESVAGT.

Strong partnership

ESVAGT has once again entrusted Hvide Sande Shipyard with the construction of the new boat, who also build the predecessor STB12: “We’ve had great experiences with Hvide Sande Shipyard as an innovative, skilled, and quality-conscious partner. Together, we have developed a boat that adds even more value to renewable energy production,” says Søren Westphal.

CEO Carl Erik Kristensen of Hvide Sande Shipyard is proud of the continued partnership: “We’re pleased to build on our strong and trusted relationship with ESVAGT in developing the next generation of STBs for the wind industry. ESVAGT is deeply committed to incorporating the experiences from the seafarers in the vessel design, which makes the project especially rewarding for us,” he says.

Facts

The Safe Transfer Boat 15 (STB15) is designed for use at the Hornsea offshore wind farms.

The STB15 will be used to transfer technician, move cargo and spare parts and transport supplies and personnel to shore. Crucially it will be able to transfer cargo and technicians in rougher seas than before, which will expand the potential of using the boat even more.

STB15 offers increased capacity for both personnel and cargo compared to the STB12.

Technicians will spend more time onboard, so the boat is equipped for more difficult weather conditions without causing seasickness. That’s why it features a stabilizer and interceptor system to reduce motion both at rest and underway — greatly improving the comfort on board the boat.

Hvide Sande Shipyard proudly announces the successful restoration of Carmelan, a nearly century-old wooden vessel, which has been meticulously revitalized after more than a year of dedicated craftsmanship. This project represents a rare full-scale wooden ship restoration, blending traditional shipbuilding techniques with modern maritime standards.

Preserving heritage while integrating modern functionality

Originally built as a fishing vessel in 1927 at the Hjørne & Jacobsen shipyard in Frederikshavn, Carmelan carries a rich maritime legacy. Restoring such a historic vessel required an expert understanding of classic shipbuilding methods while ensuring compliance with modern safety and operational requirements. The result is a ship that maintains its original character while meeting contemporary performance expectations.

“The knowledge of old traditional shipbuilding and the exceptional craftsmanship of the employees at Hvide Sande Shipyard have enabled the Carmelan to remain the Carmelan of 1927 and that history and the latest technology have found harmony during the restoration,” – Hans-Julius Ahlmann, sponsor of the Carmelan and Managing Partner of the Schleswig-Holstein-based ACO Group

With its next chapter set to include occasional transatlantic voyages, Carmelan’s restoration was a careful balance of preserving its heritage while integrating enhanced features. The beautifully finished interiors and intricately milled ornamental detailing in the hatch chambers now reflect both its storied past and its modernized functionality.

A full-scale restoration of the old wooden vessel

The non-profit charity owning the Carmelan today, envisioned a vessel that would preserve its historical significance. However, the ship’s initial condition necessitated a major overhaul, making this one of the most ambitious wooden ship restorations undertaken at Hvide Sande Shipyard.

A key challenge was sourcing high-quality timber, a process requiring extensive research to ensure both durability and authenticity. The successful acquisition of these materials was instrumental in maintaining Carmelan’s structural integrity.

In addition to the structural restoration, Carmelan received a new main engine and shaft arrangement, including a gear with PTO that drives a generator – allowing the vessel to charge its battery bank while powered by wind. Following a full rigging update, Carmelan underwent successful sea trials, confirming that all modernized systems functioned seamlessly.

About Carmelan

First launched as Kristian, Carmelan began its life in the Danish fishing industry before being sold to a German owner in 1978. Over the decades, it has served multiple roles, including youth sailing, chartering, and extended voyages. Today, Carmelan is owned by a non-profit organization.

Over its long history, the Carmelan has gathered many supporters who are committed to preserving the ship and promoting traditional shipping in the Baltic Sea, including Hans-Julius and Iver Ahlmann, managing partners of the ACO Group, a leading watertech company based in Schleswig-Holstein.

The restoration of the wooden vessel, Carmelan, is a testament to Hvide Sande Shipyard’s dedication to preserving maritime heritage while ensuring vessels remain seaworthy, sustainable, and suited for modern demands. We take pride in delivering a ship that seamlessly bridges the past and the future, ready to sail for many years to come.

Gallery: Before restoration

Gallery: After restoration

40 minutes. That’s how long Seasight Group and the affiliates Hvide Sande Shipyard and Seasight Solutions had to present their combined competencies and portfolio of products for the Danish Navy to Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen during his visit to Ringkøbing today.

Despite the limited time, a clear direction was set: Hvide Sande Shipyard and its partners OSK Group and Karstensens Skibsværft are ready to deliver the next generation of environmental ships to the Danish Navy – already from the end of 2027, if a contract can be signed soon.

Solid experience with the Danish Armed Forces

Seasight Group, which Hvide Sande Shipyard is a part, has worked with the Danish Armed Forces since the early 1990s. With more than 30 years of cooperation and experience, both the Danish Defense Materiel and Procurement Agency (FMI) and the Danish Armed Forces know the value of the solutions delivered from Hvide Sande.

“Our strength is the more than 30 years of experience we have in working with the Armed Forces. FMI knows what we stand for – both at Seasight Solutions and Hvide Sande Shipyard – credibility and customized solutions in high quality,” emphasizes Jeppe Hoff, COO at Hvide Sande Shipyard.

This history was highlighted to the Minister as an essential foundation for taking part in the upcoming investments in the modernization of the fleet.

A commitment to contribute to Denmark’s security

Seasight Solutions – another subsidiary of Seasight Group – is already experiencing a significant increase in demand from the defense industry. They see it as a natural task to provide capacity and expertise to the Armed Forces at a time when European security is under pressure.

“It’s a sad background, but we have an obligation as a Danish supplier to make ourselves available when help is needed,” says Thomas Halkjær Kristensen, CEO of Seasight Solutions.

With products such as specialized platforms, access roads and stairs, Seasight Solutions has served the Danish Army, Navy and Air Force for years – and the ambitions are clear: Danish suppliers can and should play an even bigger role in the future of defense.

Speed and quality

During his visit, the Minister of Defense emphasized that future deliveries must be made at high speed without compromising on quality – a requirement that Hvide Sande Shipyard and Seasight Solutions are fully prepared to meet.

“We currently have a record order book across the companies in the Seasight Group. Despite this, we have clear and realistic ambitions to attend in the construction of ships for the Danish fleet, where we together with OSK and Karstensens Skibsværft in Skagen will be able to deliver the first environmental ship by the end of 2027,” says Carl Erik Kristensen, CEO of Seasight Group.

Behind the ambition is not only the many years of experience as a supplier to the Danish Armed Forces, but also a targeted focus on strengthening Denmark’s maritime defense capacity with fast deliveries and high quality. Hvide Sande Shipyard and Seasight Solutions also look positive at the possibility of becoming a subcontractor for the construction of the Armed Forces’ new Arctic patrol ships and frigates as well as new Home Guard vessels when the requirements for these become known.

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.

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.

Between 2019 and 2021, Hvide Sande Shipyard has built 5 STBs (Safe Transfer Boats) for the Esbjerg-based shipping company Esvagt, which provides safety and service at sea.

The STBs ESVAGT WIND 5-6-7-8-9 are 12 meter long vessels with aluminum hulls. With a crew of two boatmen, they can transport 8 service technicians and carry approx. 1 ton of spare parts for offshore installations in the North Sea and adjacent waters. They are launched up to 10 times a day from a davit crane arrangement on larger SOV motherships, but can also operate independently in and out of port. They are certified for a range of 200 nautical miles.

Powered by two Volvo Penta D6 engines, the vessels operate at speeds of up to 30 knots. It is a highly effective vessel that meets – and in many cases exceeds – customer expectations in terms of efficiency, versatility and reliability. Esvagt was responsible for the design, construction and specifications. The company also maintains the vessels.

Bjarne Mikkelsen, Senior Service Manager at Esvagt, explains the cooperation with Hvide Sande Shipyard:

“When we started the STB 12 project in 2014, 3D drawing technology was not as developed. So we built a full-size mock-up and moved the components around until everything worked optimally. For the construction of ships no. 5 – 9, we chose Hvide Sande Shipyard. We deliberately chose a Danish supplier in order to preserve Danish jobs.

CEO Carl Erik Kristensen visited us at the beginning of the project to have a look at a similar vessel. After a quarter of an hour, he was able to confirm that Hvide Sande Shipyard was capable of building such a vessel and gave us an approximate price. It added up!

Naturally, we were a little hesitant to start the process with a new supplier. But it turned out to be a fantastic collaboration. I had a goal that we would be as good friends and business partners at the end of the project as we were at the beginning – and it came true.

At Esvagt we never compromise when it comes to safety and quality. We knew that Hvide Sande Shipyard could deliver and that their organization and documentation processes are in place.

I know many of the employees from different contexts, and Hvide Sande Shipyard has always delivered good quality on time. All challenges along the way were solved in the best possible way.”