VESSEL REVIEW | Achieve – Fraserburgh seiner from Macduff Ship Design

A new 24-metre seine fishing vessel has been handed over to Aberdeenshire owner Bruce Buchan. Designed and kitted by Macduff Ship Design, and built locally, Achieve features a cruiser stern and round bilge following the tradition of Scottish seine vessels.

Combining these traditional features with modern gear and the latest in fishing technology, the vessel boasts large capacity, 2.5-metre diameter self-hauling rope reels which are enclosed in the forward processing deck.

These are controlled by a Scantrol system from the wheelhouse, with cameras enabling a good view of the shooting and hauling operation. Ropes are led aft through sheaves to blocks hung from a gantry that also incorporates the upper net drum structure and powerblock crane.

With a Caterpillar C32 main engine rated 560kW at 1,600/1,800rpm close coupled to a Reintjes reversing gearbox reduced by 7.091:1 driving a 2,100mm diameter open propeller by Kort Propulsion, the vessel achieved a healthy 10.5 knots on trials.

The hull form along with a high-lift rudder designed by MSD also enables Achieve to perform a nifty turning circle within two boat lengths. The vessel is fitted with bilge keels for roll reduction. For added manoeuvrability in harbour a 110kW bow thruster is fitted.

Below deck, the spacious fish hold has a capacity for 850 boxes, with 800 boxes being the anticipated full catch. To either side are fitted large ice lockers, which are fed by Geneglace ice machines capable of producing 2.5 tonnes per hour.

These are supplied by fresh water from the 10,100-litre forepeak tank. Any remaining forepeak fresh water plus an 8,000-litre central tank supplies the domestic fresh water system on board. With a fuel capacity of 24,000 litres in the engine room wing tanks and daily service tank, this gives an endurance of approximately 175 hours at full rpm.

Fish is taken aboard via a cod-end hatch situated on the aft shelter deck, where it is emptied into a hopper, leading forward to the processing deck. From there the catch is sorted, gutted and washed by a washing and gutting system before making its way to the hold via a lifting elevator.

The processing area is fully watertight and fitted with deck sumps and electric Azcue overboard trash pumps. The aft main deck is also undercover, allowing the crew to work in relative shelter.

The crew accommodation comprises a single eight-man cabin in the aft peak of the vessel. A traditionally arranged galley-mess area allows for comfortable seating around a large mess table where the crew can relax and watch TV. The comprehensive galley and mess is fitted out to a modern and high standard.

A window fitted into the aft bulkhead of the galley allows a view of the aft main deck and net drum. An emergency escape window is fitted into the forward bulkhead leading onto the processing deck, where crew can then exit through a hatch forward. An emergency escape is also fitted in the aft cabin leading up to the shelter deck and insulated to A30 standard.

Following successful fishing trials, the vessel has now started fishing from its home port of Fraserburgh.

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