Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, steady progress is being made at the Båtbygg yard in Norway on the new multi-purpose fishing vessel being built for Australian fishing company Austral Fisheries.
Work is progressing on commissioning Cape Arkona’s main engine, systems and electrics, while the crew accommodation, factory and fishing areas are within a few weeks of completion, along with all electronics installations. The new vessel’s exterior is now also painted with the Austral Fisheries blue, and signage is all but completed.
Cape Arkona is unique in combining capacity for automated longlining, potting and trawling and Austral Fisheries expects the newbuild to set new standards for multi-purpose fishing operations.
It has four different propulsion options which will allow it to adapt its power output to match the operational requirements, reducing the environmental footprint and maintenance costs.
Cape Arkona is also equipped with the latest in electric trawling winches and battery technology, making use of the regenerative power and peak shaving to further reduce fuel consumption and increase operational safety.
‘The system allows us to convert potential lost brake power to be used in recharging the battery bank, assisting in reducing fuel usage,” explained Peter Stevens, Austral Fisheries’ General Manager – Southern Fleet.
