AWARDS 2024 | Best Mussel Harvester – Lena Quinn – Seabound Engineering

While very much a niche business, mussel harvesting has inspired some very interesting vessels to carry out that exacting task.

This locally conceived harvester is an all-Irish effort that shows considerable thought and innovation. Sensibly based on an all-aluminium catamaran hull, she is safe and stable and offers a considerable amount of working deck. In addition to her practical and clear deck layout, she has comfortable, warm, day accommodation.

However, most interesting of all is her very innovative propulsion system that is based on a single main engine coupled hydraulically to twin azimuthing drive units that ensure exceptional manoeuvrability.

"Among the main features that sets Lena Quinn apart are her impressive load capacity of 40 tonnes and an internal ballast system designed for enhanced stability and safety," Thomas Havlin, Seabound Engineering Managing Director, told Baird Maritime.

"The vessel boasts an operational fuel consumption of only 6.8 litres per hour while at full carrying capacity and 9.6 litres of fuel per hour when cruising at 10.5 knots. These specifications make her the most economically efficient vessel of her size constructed to date."

Havlin explained that the design process ensured a seamless fabrication stage, and the Seabound team did not encounter any major obstacles throughout the build process.

"With every new vessel, we gain valuable insights and knowledge as boat builders. Each completed build enhances our capabilities from fabrication to fit-out."

Havlin said that historically, there have been many challenges faced by the commercial fishing industry in Ireland.

"The industry is dealing with a range of complex issues, including economic pressures, policy changes, EU quotas, and Brexit. This poses a considerable challenge to both the industry and coastal communities."

Havlin assured that, despite these challenges, the year 2024 has been an exceptional one for Seabound Engineering, being marked by the delivery of Lena Quinn and the expansion of the company's operations to a third boatbuilding location in the harbour at Greencastle.

"Furthermore, we are delighted to announce that we have secured several new vessel orders, including our first 15-metre crewboat and a 25-metre harvesting boat for a prominent mussel producer in the UK."

In light of the evolving trends in the marine industry, Seabound Engineering has observed a notable shift towards the preference for aluminium vessels across various sectors.

"Aluminium vessels are highly sought after due to their inherent strength, capacity, stability, safety features, and low maintenance requirements," Havlin told Baird Maritime. "As the global 'blue economy' continues to expand, we anticipate an increased demand for and investment in aluminium boats for aquaculture and offshore applications.

"We are excited about the future prospects for aluminium vessels and we are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of our clients with the help of cutting-edge solutions as part of our focus on innovation, sustainability, and reliability."

For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.