At 61.80 metres overall and with a 13.50 metre beam, the new longliner ordered by Norwegian operator HP Holmeset will be the one of the biggest and most modern vessels of its kind in the world, replacing the company’s present 51 metre vessel.
This is the third time that HP Holmeset has gone to Ålesund naval architect Skipsteknisk for a new longliner design.
The company’s present vessel is a 51 metre longliner built to a ST-155 design at Fiskerstrand Verft in 2010, and the newbuild is to take shape at Vaagland Båtbyggeri with a delivery date in December 2019.
The new Geir is Skipsteknisk’s ST-156XL design, with capacity for a 70,000 hook autoline system hauling through a moonpool.
According to Skipsteknisk’s Inge Bertil Straume, the new Geir is designed with the focus on environmental and ergonomic factors, as well as for a high quality final product. The new longliner will be able to produce both frozen H&G and fillets, and will have a 60 tonne per day capacity plus a 500 tonne carrying capacity.
‘The company is further developing the concept from its previous vessel, with developments to the accomodation, factory deck and propulsion systems,’ he said.
Like its predecessor, the new Geir will have diesel-electric propulsion, and accommodation for 22 persons.
Having both the designer and the shipyard are located in the Møre & Romsdal region means that the company is able to choose local subcontractors for much of equipment on board.
‘It is important for us to maintain the skills and keep jobs in the county,’ said owner Hallgeir Holmeset.
‘In addition to being competitive on price, we consider it a great advantage to be able to have the suppliers nearby and to work on this project with them.’
‘This is the third time HP Holmeset has chosen Skipsteknisk as a designer for his newbuilding,’ said Inge Bertil Straume. ‘We are delighted that HP Holmeset has again selected us and we are looking forward to working with such a forward-looking shipping company.’
