VESSEL REVIEW | Ginneton – Sweden’s Gifico acquires fourth herring and mackerel trawler

Swedish family-owned fishing company Gifico recently welcomed a newbuild vessel to its fleet of pelagic trawlers that focus on herring, mackerel, and a number of industrial species.

Designed and built by Karstensens Skibsværft of Denmark, the DNV-classed trawler is Gifico’s third vessel to bear the name Ginneton. The 63.8- by 13.5-metre, 2,800DWT vessel boasts a number of custom features including an optimised hull design and technologies that will help minimise fuel consumption and emissions in line with the owner’s requirements.

The 4,920kW main engine drives a 3,800mm controllable-pitch propeller and is fitted with a heat recovery system, as are the Mitsubishi 600kW and 150kW auxiliary engines. For added lateral manoeuvrability, the trawler relies on two 700kW side thrusters supplied by Brunvoll. The propulsion allows the trawler to reach speeds of up to 16 knots, while a remote control system incorporates levers as well as touchscreen for user-friendly operation of the engines.

The main engine is also fitted with an NOx reduction system. The wheelhouse electronics meanwhile include Furuno radars and gear from Intellian.

The deck equipment includes winches and other gear from Karmøy Winch. Among the fishing equipment are electrically-driven fish pumps from MacGregor Rapp. The catch is stored in tanks with a total capacity of 1,500 cubic metres and kept cool by two FrioNordica RSW plants.

The interiors are fitted with LED lighting to further reduce energy consumption. Accommodation spaces are available for a crew of 10, and close cooperation between the owner and the yard ensured that the interiors feature enhanced safety and comfort.

The vessel also has deck space for a Viking Norsafe fast rescue boat, which is launched and recovered via a dedicated davit.

The new Ginneton is the fourth Karstensens-built vessel in Gifico’s present fleet. It is also the first newbuild to be acquired by the same owner, as the other Karstensens vessels it has operated over the last 45 years were all bought second-hand.