Gael Force Group has launched a 400-tonne SeaFeed steel barge from its partner yard in the Netherlands, marking the first time the company has outsourced a barge build.
The barge, commissioned by Mowi Scotland for one of its exposed west coast sites, is currently en route to Scotland, where it will be completed at Gael Force’s Inverness facility.
Constructed to Lloyds-accredited designs, the barge will be fitted with Gael Force’s SeaFeed system before being delivered to Mowi later this year.
Stephen Offord, Group Operations Director, expressed satisfaction with the project: “The launch went smoothly, and we are pleased with the design and appearance. We look forward to completing the fitting and installation of the feeding systems at our yard.”
The decision to partner with Nauplius Workboats in the Netherlands allowed Gael Force to meet build requirements while its own facility was fully occupied with other barge projects. “Partnering with Nauplius gave us the flexibility to adapt our build programme,” Offord noted.
The steel barge is expected to be operational by year-end.
