Huon Aquaculture christened the “Hogan” – a AUD 10.5 million (USD 6.6 million) barge designed for their exposed fish farm in the world at Storm Bay in Tasmania, Australia.
The “Hogan” was designed by Huon Aquaculture in collaboration with AKVA and Crisp Bros. and Haywards (and was built by Crisp Bros. & Haywards). The feed vessel, which they say is also the Southern hemisphere’s most “technologically advanced”, is fully-autonomous to be remotely operated from Huon’s Feed Control Room in Hobart.
The “Hogan” is the first of two 600T feed barges that will service Huon’s Storm Bay leases.
Huon Aquaculture Co-Founder and Executive Director Frances Bender said, “The Hogan sets a new benchmark for innovation in aquaculture not only in Tasmania, but on the world stage. I believe that our new barge will make the international industry sit up and take even more notice of the ground-breaking work that is being done in our State.
The Peter said that Storm Bay was the exposed fish farm in the world. Back in August, he said, “the lease is located in some of the most exposed, highest energy leases ever farmed in the world, with the capacity to produce in total between 8,000 and 16,000 tonnes per annum.”
At the christening he said that: “Everyone knows that Storm Bay can get rough which is why we have invested $10.5 million (USD 6.6 million) in our new purpose-built barge. Offshore is where Huon’s future expansion lies and technological innovations such as the Hogan will help us safely achieve our long-term vision.
“Some people can be intimidated by the idea of autonomous technology so I’d like to reassure them that this vessel isn’t coming at the expense of people’s jobs rather it will safeguard them,” added Bender.
A collaboration of approximately 100 employees and contractors have been involved in the project with the barge taking approximately 30 man-years to build, with the coatings alone taking 4.25 man years to apply.
“I’m immensely proud that this ground-breaking vessel was not only constructed here in Tasmania, but that every employee of Crisp Bros. & Hayward’s is a local. We believe that wherever possible, jobs and economic benefits should flow back into our local rural communities so that they too can enjoy the benefits of our very successful industry,” concluded Frances Bender.
The launch was attended by employees who were involved in the design and build, those who will be working on the vessel, community members, local councillors and schools.
The sister-ship to the Hogan is under construction at Crisp Bros. & Haywards.
