Van der Zwan christens Damen-built trawler

Dutch fishing company Van der Zwan christened its newest trawler in a ceremony held at Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam earlier this month.

Spes Nova is the first in a series of two fly-shooters/twinriggers designed by Van der Zwan subsidiary Ekofish Group in collaboration with Damen and Vripack Naval Architects.

Spes Nova was put through classification tests in the third week of October, followed by North Sea fishing trials that same month, before returning to Stellendam for final touches in preparation for its christening. The ship will soon begin its duties fishing for flatfish such as plaice, cod, and turbot.