HPS Continues Collaboration with Salthammer on Four New AQS Vessels

HPS has entered into a new agreement to provide system integration for four new AQS service vessels, following the successful delivery og AQS Æge. The vessels are part of AQS’s investment in an all-electric, more reliable and predictable fleet, building on experience from the first delivered vessel and close collaboration between HPS (Haf power solutions), Salthammer Båtbyggeri and AQS. 

"This is perhaps the clearest confirmation we could ask for: The solution has been put into operation, the experience has been positive, and the customer wants us involved in four more vessels. It shows that our systems perform in operation, and that we have the competence, execution capability and reliability required for fleet investments like this", says Bengt Olav Berntsen, CEO of HPS. 

The new contracts strengthen HPS’s role as system integrator for future-oriented service vessels in the aquaculture industry. The delivery of AQS Æge marked an important technological step for HPS. With a magnet-free propulsion technology as part of the energy system, the delivery showed how new system choices can make electrification more robust and predictable in demanding maritime operations. The experience from this will now be carried forward into the next four vessels. 

Behind the investment is growing demand for aquaculture services and a need for vessels with lower energy use, high operational reliability and strong operating capacity. At the same time, the project demonstrates the strength of Norway’s strong maritime cluster working closely together from design and construction to system integration and operation. 

"When the shipyard, shipowner and suppliers know each other well and have a shared understanding of what works, the project gets off to a much stronger start. It provides greater confidence and flow throughout the work, and ultimately results in a stronger vessel. We have worked closely with HPS, and have full confidence in what they deliver", says Lasse Stokkeland, General Manager at Salthammer Båtbyggeri. 

When several vessels are built on the same foundation, experience becomes an important part of delivery capability. For HPS, this means applying the system integration from AQS Æge, standardising where it adds value and improving where it supports better operations. This makes the solutions more precise, predictable and competitive.