New mussel harvesting boats delivered to Shetland operator

Shetland-based Blueshell Mussels has taken delivery of two new mussel harvesting vessels in a series.

Designed by Macduff Ship Design, Fruitful Harvest and Fruitful Bough were built by Etkin Marin of Turkey. Final commissioning was undertaken at Macduff Shipyards in Scotland.

The vessels are designed for mussel harvesting but are capable of performing multiple roles within the industry. They are also designed to meet low water and air draught requirements for operation around the Shetland Islands.

Alongside this, vessel manoeuvrability during mussel harvesting operations is critical, so the vessels are arranged with both bow and stern thrusters to ensure accurate control at low speeds.

Macduff Ship Design and Blueshell Mussels worked closely together on the design from initial concept, through yard tender, to delivery to ensure that the vessels met all of the owner's requirements.

The vessels can perform other tasks such as mooring work, crane operations, and towing. They are arranged with four specialist double harvest davits to starboard and a Guerra M230.20A marine crane.

With a beam of 7.2 metres and a depth of 2.3 metres, the vessels have ample space for a state-of-the-art harvesting system and carriage of the harvested mussels.

Accommodation on each vessel includes a spacious cabin, a mess, a pantry, a lounge, and bunks for four crewmembers. The sanitary facilities include a toilet with shower.