KRATT: A Biomethane-Fueled, Ice-Class Workboat

Estonia has taken delivery of a new 38-meter multipurpose workboat that combines compressed biomethane and battery-electric propulsion with research, buoy-handling, pollution-response and rescue capabilities in a single vessel.

Named KRATT, the new vessel was designed and built by Baltic Workboats for the Estonian State Fleet and christened August 12 at Saaremaa, Estonia. The €22 million vessel is scheduled to enter service in Estonian waters this autumn.

At the center of the newbuild is an alternative-fuel power plant designed around compressed biomethane (CBM) as its primary fuel, four 350-kW gas generator sets and a 400-kWh battery system. The arrangement is intended to allow the vessel to match its power source and operating mode to the mission rather than continuously operating conventional diesel machinery.

On biomethane, KRATT has a stated range of up to 1,000 nautical miles at 7 knots, while its battery system allows the vessel to operate for up to two hours at 5 knots under electric propulsion. Maximum vessel speed is 11 knots.

The battery installation also addresses one of the less visible sources of fuel consumption aboard working vessels: extended periods spent stationary while supporting research, maintenance or other operations. At anchor, KRATT can draw on battery power