February 20, 2023

Norwegian shipbuilder to create world's first fishing-aquaculture hybrid ship

An order has been placed for the world's first combined fishing and aquaculture vessel — with Norwegian shipbuilder Larsnes Mek signing a contract to build the boat for Myre Kystdrift AS, a seafood business based in Vesterålen, Nordland, Norway.

When completed in late 2024, it will operate as a dual seine net vessel and a farmed fish harvest boat, making it the first of its kind.

The design of the vessel is adapted from a model used for white fish, and also includes a bleeder line for salmon and trout. It will be equipped with refrigerated sea water (RSW) cooling and an automated factory line for processing fresh fish. Larsnes Mek said the design is environmentally friendly and and focused on the vessel's climate footprint.

The ship will be equipped with latest technology including an optimised hull, propeller with nozzle, two steps gear, variable speed generator, an emergency drive system and a battery pack with approximately 1.5 Mwh.

Myre Maritim believes that a combined operation between fisheries and aquaculture will utilise its capacity efficiently and facilitate the transfer of expertise between the industries. The combined vessel will include top technologies from both seafood sectors. It will be just over 51 metres long and 12 metres wide.

Michael Lockert, general manager of Myre Kystdrift AS, said that the use of existing technology from the aquaculture industry can, in the long term, ensure correct resource accounting and quality-assured management of the Norwegian fishing industry.

Myre Kystdrift also hopes that the new vessel will be a more attractive workplace, helping  recruitment for the Norwegian seafood industry.

- Fish Farmer