Announcing the world’s first electric powered trawler

What is believed to be the world’s first electric powered trawler is being developed by Trondheim Trawlers
What is believed to be the world’s first electric powered trawler is being developed by Trondheim Trawlers

With an eye on extended voyages and rough weather, the Trondheim 40 Trawler is being billed as the world’s first electric powered trawler and will be able to go into shallow and icy waters such as Alaska or the Norwegian fjords. The trawler is 40-foot long and has a steel hull and is powered by two Torqeedo electric motors.

This innovative design should come as no surprise to those who know of the work and reputation of Russian designer, Max Zhivov.

“The main idea of our project Trondheim Trawler is a revision of classic trawler design and usage of innovative electric technologies,” explained Zhivov, who believes this is the first electric powered trawler.

He said the preserving the ocean environment for future generations was a key priority both for him and Trondheim Trawlers, the company he designed the vessel for.

“First of all we decided to analyse what the main requirements for the boat was and we decided that efficiency and ecology were the main requirements,” said Zhivov.

“So in our project we put the preservation of nature in first place. It is important for us to understand that that careful preservation of nature can give a chance to save it for future generations,” stressed the designer.

“It is designed for extended voyages, where conditions may exceed wind force 8 and significant wave heights of 4 metres and above, but excluding abnormal conditions,” explained Zhivov.

“We installed two Deep Blue i 1400 rpm electric motors and two 64 Kwh big capacity batteries; this installation will allow you have six hours just electric motor ride in total quiet like on a sailing yacht,” said Zhivov.

It has also been designed with two Torqeedo 25 kwh high voltage generators “for better reliability.”

“The boat has A class power efficiency. This means we have +30% longer range with the same fuel storage as other 40 feet trawlers. Two 25 kw generators supply on board electronics for high level comfort: heater, conditioner, so you will feel comfort all day and night,” explained Zhivov.

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