After four months of working with an all-electric set of longline deck hardware, the owners and crew of Norwegian longliner Vonar have reported that reduced noise levels and smooth hauling are the key advantages.
Vonar’s operating company Finnøy Fiskeredskap invested in the Mustad Autoline E-Line system last autumn, followed by a test trip to commission the new setup.
‘We have now been in operation for almost four months and three, close to four trips at sea, with no stops or interruptions to fishing,’ said skipper and Vonar’s co-owner Bjartmar Finnøy.
‘We have a close co-operation with Mustad Autoline that goes way back in time and we were never in doubt about our choice of equipment and supplier. When Mustad introduced the new electrically powered E-Line system, we were ready,’ he said.
According to Vonar’s chief engineer Hans Jakob Johansen, they immediately noticed the difference between the new electric system and the hydraulic setup it replaced, particularly the smooth hauling and noise levels on board.
‘The smooth and stable hauling means that we lose less fish off the hooks. We have not calculated fuel savings and the effect of the improved hauling process yet, but we estimate a reduction of fuel consumption of 50 tonnes a year, and in addition to catching a little more fish in fewer fishing days,’ he said, adding that the only downside is the design of the hook cleaner.
‘This needs to be improved. We have discussed this together with the Mustad R&D department at Gjøvik and a change of construction is underway for testing.’
‘From an environmental point of view, it’s obvious that we use less oil and reduce the risk of oil spills. The reduced noise level improves the working environment on board. It is simply cleaner and easier to handle,’ Hans Jakob Johansen said.
‘There’s no doubt that electrically powered systems are the future. I assume that all newbuildings henceforth will choose to go for this.’
