One of Australia’s leading fishing companies, Austral Fisheries has placed an order for a new longliner to be built to a Marin Teknikk design at Båtbygg in Norway. The MT1115-L design Austral Odyssey is scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2025.
‘The commitment to build this vessel is another historic moment in Austral’s 50-year journey. Fishing sustainably and in ways that mitigate environmental impacts above and below the water has never been more important,’ said Austral CEO David Carter.
‘This project is a testament to that and to the hard work of countless Austral people over time, and a demonstration of shareholder confidence in the future of our Glacier 51 Toothfish brand.’
Design company Marin Teknikk has experience of developing vessels operating in the challenging conditions around Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The MT1115-L design draws on the work the company completed for Østerfjord in 2022, and incorporates a moonpool to provide a safer working environment for the crew while hauling lines.
The 68.55 metre Austral Odyssey’s design includes additional tank capacity, opening possibilities for running on less energy-dense renewable fuels such as methanol, which have the potential to reduce emissions of CO2 by 70-80% compared to conventional operation.
Austral Odyssey’s advanced energy-saving hybrid propulsion system will feature an integrated load shaving battery package and two-step gear box, which Austral Fisheries says will curb emissions and further improve fuel efficiency. The design also includes increased tank capacity to accommodate the potential for future less energy-dense renewable fuels, such as methanol.
Austral Odyssey will be equipped for value-added production of the company’s premium MSC-certified Glacier 51 Toothfish brand at sea.
‘We are proud and honoured to be working with Austral Fisheries. This confirms our well-established relationship and Baatbygg’s position as a reliable supplier and partner,’ said Båtbygg CEO Kjell-Inge Sjaastad
Austral’s Southern Fleet General Manager, Theo Verios, was part of the Cape Arkona build project in 2020 and will spend time between Australia and Norway throughout the build of the new Austral Odyssey.
‘The design’s state-of-the-art features are in place to optimise efficiencies for fishing in all conditions, while setting a new standard for sustainable fishing practices, crew comfort and safety. We look forward to welcoming her to our fleet,’ Theo Verios said.
