New low-emission salmon transporter under development in Norway

Norwegian salmon farming company Cermaq will be the operator of a new fish transport vessel that is currently under development.

Designed by local naval architects Hav Design for aquaculture vessel operator Frøy Group under a contract valued at approximately NOK90 million (US$10.5 million), the vessel will feature an energy-efficient hull and four cylindrical tanks that can accommodate more fish per cubic metre compared to traditional means. The tanks will have a total capacity of 6,000 cubic metres.

The vessel will also have adequate deck space for delousing equipment that can treat up to 600 tonnes of salmon per hour and a freshwater production system to be used for treating fish. The system will be capable of producing 6,000 tonnes of fresh water a day.

The vessel will also boast a high sorting capacity and a closed system for infection-free transport of large quantities of fish.

Power will be provided by a hybrid propulsion system consisting of a Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) battery pack and marine fuel engines that Hav Design said can be configured to operate on low-emission biofuel in future. In addition to ensuring a lower fuel consumption per kWh, the NES electric propulsion system will also have shore charging capability as well as guarantee reduced noise levels.

Residual heat from the engines’ cooling water will be used for onboard heating, while heat from the exhaust and cooling water will be used to produce electric power for the onboard systems.

NES will also supply an integrated bridge system that will include dynamic positioning capability.