VESSEL REVIEW | Ronja Queen – Sølvtrans places new 3,000-cubic-metre fish transporter into service

Norwegian fish transport company Sølvtrans recently welcomed a new live transport vessel to its fleet.

Built by compatriot shipyard Aas Mekaniske Verksted (Aas Mek), Ronja Queen is the third vessel in a planned series of seven wellboats that are scheduled to be delivered to Sølvtrans by the end of 2025. All seven vessels in the series will be used primarily for the live transport of salmon and trout.

As with its sisters, Ronja Queen has an LOA of 76.96 metres, a beam of 17.8 metres, a draught of five metres, a depth of 5.9 metres, and two tanks with a total live transport capacity of 3,000 cubic metres, which is equivalent to 450 tonnes of fish. Aas Mek said the design incorporates a low draught in relation to load capacity, which is specially adapted for transport of smolt with calls of smolt facilities and areas that may be difficult for larger, deeper-draught vessels to access.

The onboard equipment can transport fish in an open and closed system in a safe and gentle manner. A pressure loading and unloading system provides a safer alternative to vacuum pumps for handling fish. To ensure fish hygiene, the vessel boasts a UV water treatment system, automated disinfection systems, a filter system for collecting lice, systems for logging water parameters, and onboard and underwater cameras so that the crew can monitor the conditions of the fish from without leaving the wheelhouse.

Transport, monitoring, and treatment of fish are done while generating near-zero emissions. Vik Elektro supplied some of the monitoring systems in addition to performing all electrical installation works. The working deck has shelter deck space, Aqua Scan and Vaki fish counters, and four Palfinger Marine cranes for handling hoses and cages.

The main machinery consists of a Yanmar 6EY26W engine that produces 1,920 kW at 750 rpm to drive a Brunvoll Volda gearbox and propeller arrangement, enabling the vessel to reach a service speed of 13 knots. The main engine is controlled centrally from four operator positions in the wheelhouse. For enhanced manoeuvrability, a 600kW and twin 250kW side thrusters from Brunvoll are fitted at the bow and the stern, respectively. Vibratec meanwhile supplied exhaust suspensions and bellows that help reduce vibrations.

The onboard systems meanwhile draw power from two Caterpillar 3512C 1,550ekW generators. A Scania DI13 349ekW generator will be used instead when the vessel is at berth. The generators are fitted with selective catalytic reduction systems to ensure compliance with IMO Tier III emissions standards.

The crew of 12 have access to accommodation spaces that include cabins with en suite toilets and showers, a gym, a coffee bar, a TV lounge, a galley, and two mess areas.

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