Color Line and Ulstein Kicks Off Color Hybrid Newbuild Project

Color Line and Ulstein Verft marked the construction start-up on the world's largest plug-in hybrid ship, the 'Color Hybrid'. The hull is placed in the dock hall, and several hundred yard workers are now busy with the ship’s completion before hand-over next summer.

'Color Hybrid' is a good example of the interaction in the maritime cluster, said Ulstein Verft. Color Line chose Ulstein Verft for this newbuilding project. Furthermore, the yard has contracted the subsuppliers to this project, of which about 70 per cent are local.

A contract placed on a Norwegian shipyard generates ripple effecs in the cluster. About 100 of the suppliers to the 'Color Hybrid' project are Norwegian, and several of these attended the kick-off on Thursday.

"The determination and the ability to adjust course has been one of the key drivers in the development of the company. In about half a year, this magnificent hull will be a flagship for the natural environment and for innovation for the Norwegian maritime industry", said Trond Kleivdal, CEO Color Line at the kick-off at Ulstein Verft.

"When Color Line chose Ulstein Verft for the construction of the ‘Color Hybrid’, the ripple effect for subcontractors and cooperative partners, both regionally and nationally, is very high. At Ulstein Verft alone, approx. 400-500 people will be involved in this project. Every workplace in the shipbuilding industry generates more than 5 workplaces in the private and public sectors. This creates the firm base for a viable region, and provides significant tax revenues for the Norwegian state and municipalities", stated Gunvor Ulstein, CEO Ulstein Group.

'Color Hybrid' will be servicing Sandefjord-Strömstad from summer 2019. Even before the ship has been built, she has earned her first award. At the opening ceremony of the Nor-Shipping exhibition in 2017, the ship was appointed the winner of the Next Generation Ship Award.

'Color Hybrid' is a plug-in hybrid vessel. This means that the ship will switch to batteries when it reaches the fjord outside Sandefjord. The ship will be powered by battery through the fjord, without noise or harmful emissions. When moored in Sandefjord, the vessel weill be charged by a shore connection.

The vessel is being built by Ulstein Verft, and designed by Fosen Yard. It accommodates 2,000 passengers and 500 cars.