Participating in the Scottish Skipper Expo this year at the P&J Live Exhibition Arena in Aberdeen, the Killybegs-based KER Group is showcasing its 28 years of experience in supplying the fisheries, aquaculture and food industries with innovative onshore and offshore systems.
‘The company was founded in 1995 by Eugene McBrearty. KER is passionate and prides itself in delivering responsible and sustainable innovation, excellence and quality of products & services to improve operational efficiencies and waste reduction,’ said KER Group’s Derek McBrearty.
‘Over the years KER has developed their product and service offering to match its long-standing client requirements including developing their own Refrigerated Sea Water Systems (RSW) and vacuum pump systems. The product offering also includes ice machines, food processing equipment, PLC and automation, marine refrigeration systems and marine electrical systems.’
A significant showcase for the breadth of skills offered by KER Group is the new multi-purpose trawler Wave Crest completed by Mooney Boats earlier this year for the Sheehy and McHugh families.
‘KER undertook the installation of a 2000-litre stainless steel vacuum tank along with two vacuum pump compressor sets. The team also implemented a 14-inch stainless-steel manifold featuring CYL knife gate valves. Suction pipes for the vacuum pump system were fitted within the tank,’ Derek McBrearty said.
The KER team also supplied and installed a540kW RSW system, including manufacturing and fitting a RSW polyethylene manifold, circulating pipework in the RSW room, and ammonia relief pipework both above and below the deck. Additionally, an ammonia suppressant system was integrated into the RSW room.
‘The provision covered all necessary piping, including copper, stainless steel, mild steel, and polyethylene, along with coded welding for refrigeration piping. The comprehensive package also included the complete electrical installation, with electrical control cabinets manufactured by KER and installed on board,’ Derek McBrearty explained.
‘We supplied a glycol fish hold refrigeration system featuring stainless steel evaporators, complemented by a Bitzer sea water-cooled condensing unit and Bitzer compressor.’
KER systems also extend to the living spaces and the wheelhouse, with a Fujitsu multi-split aircon across key areas. Marine-coated outdoor units, resilient to harsh sea conditions, were incorporated, complemented by a bespoke stainless-steel enclosure for enhanced protection against sea spray.
The team constructed fibre-glass walk-in chill and freezer rooms for food provisions storage. To prevent frost heave, a heater mat was installed beneath the floor of the freezer room. These rooms were crafted with durability in mind, featuring fibre-glassed walls, floors, and ceilings in the customer’s preferred colour. Custom stainless-steel racking for food provisions storage and heavy-duty insulated doors completed these spaces.
‘The Scottish Skipper Expo this year is a significant gathering for the maritime industry, showcasing the latest technologies, equipment, and services,’ he commented.
‘This event promises a vibrant atmosphere for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development. Whether you’re interested in technical details, have a problem KER can solve, or simply want to say hello, the KER team will be there to greet you.’
