Newbuild fits two roles.
When Remøy Management needed a process boat, they came to Moen Marin with a challenge: Is it possible to put a processing facility on a service catamaran? Moen flipped around, and the answer was yes. “This is an innovative way of doing it, and the result contributes unique flexibility,” said Torfinn Hansvik, Technical Manager at Moen Marin, in a press release.
The market for process boats are hot these days. An increasing share of the aquaculture industry see the process boat as a solution to challenges related to profitability and fish welfare. And the demand is of course thereafter. But the aquaculture industry still has a way to go when it comes to utilization of capacity, said Hansvik.
“An optimal stun and bleed process on the edge of the fish cage, can be an important contribution to both increased fish welfare and reduced mortality, in addition to increasing the quality of the end product. By reducing unnecessary handling of the fish, and also the fact that the fish is as quick as possible just before stunning, has a good effect on quality and shelf life.”
Not just a regular process boat
Hansvik believes that the unique boat they are about to deliver, can be an important contribution to just that.
“We have made a boat with high stunning capacity on the basis of a traditional service boat. Meaning, you can remove the equipmen if changes in needs or demands for services occur. This boat provides outstanding flexibility,” he said.
Robert Søviknes, operations manager at Remøy’s aquaculture department, shares Hansvik’s assessments.
“This solution allows us to get started fast. And also, we basically wanted a boat that was multifunctional. Our core business is processing boats and delousing, but many of today’s customers have tasks that also require a smaller service boat. Volt Collector I can do both,” he said.
Stund and bleed for better fish welfare
Optimar supplies the stun and bleed system. Together with Moen Marin and Remøy Managmenet, they have worked hard to integrate the advanced system as best as possible.
“Volt Collector I” is a boat that is rigged for all purposes and scenarios. It is built up as a normal processing facility, and follows all requirements that apply to facilities on shore. The use of stund and bleed, ensures the absolutely best fish welfare possible,” said Hans Thunem, Sales Manager at Optimar.
“Volt Collector I” also has a smart system that gives you complete control over the processes, and everything is logged continuously. Both the end customer and the processing facility on shore get access to documentation through automatic reporting of washing, rinsing and ozonation.
“This is a system that maintain the quality of the fish. Fast chilling, optimzed volume and good cooling and circulation ensure shelf life of the fish,” said Thunem, adding that there has been a very good collaboration:
“I think all parties found this project exciting, especially thinking new and out of the box.”
A good workplace
Moen Marin has strived to ensure that the innovative boat has “the little extra”. The quality and the consistently high standard was critical for Remøy Management.
“Moen Marin has many talented people, and together we have worked hard to find solutions that ensure that the crew has the best possible workplace. When the crew have a good time and like their workplace, this is reflected in the quality of what they do and the products that comes out of it,” said Remøy’s Robert Søviknes.
The 15×12 meter catamaran has a significantly larger deck area than a 15×10 boat. In addition, it has 4 cabins – 2 twin cabins and 2 one-man cabins.
“You can have a crew of 6, who gets a spacious cabin and a fantastic work deck,” said Jan Tore Ysland, who has been the boat’s project manager.
A little technical marvel
And there are even more Easter eggs hiding above and below the deck of Moen Marin’s latest workhorse.
2We have equipped the boat with 2 heavy cranes from Palfinger (PK 90002 and PK 41002). It provides great capacity to perform heavier operations. In addition, the stun and bleed system requires a lot of power, so the boat has 2 generators that generate around 300 kilowatts. It is a crazy capacity,” said Ysland.
Other modern and forward-looking solutions are also in place, primarily to make the every day work better for the crew.
“The solution on the in the wheelhouse is based on freestanding “pods” with space for all navigation and control equipment. It gives better overview, greater mobility and better HSE,” said Ysland and added:
“The ballast system is based on electrically activated valves that is controlled from the wheelhouse. Meaning, you have complete control on the ballasting of the boat at all times when filling and emptying.”
Ready for work
The unique boat is just a few days away from its maiden voyage. At Remøy Management, the excitement is palpable.
“We know that the technology works, but we look forward to gain more experience and expand our knowledge to build our business further,” said Søviknes.
Also Moen Marin’s Torfinn Hansvik is excited. He looks forward to see what opportunities the industry will seize with the concept.
“After all, this is the first 15×12 catamaran in the world with its own processing facility,” he says, and concludes:
“But I don’t think it will be the last.”
