A new factory trawler for New Zealand company Aurora Fisheries has been floated off by its Turkish builder.
Designed for pelagic and demersal trawling, the 80-metre, 15-metre breadth Takapo is the latest in a long series of factory vessels from the longstanding partnership of Norwegian naval architect Skipsteknisk and the Tersan Shipyard in Turkey.
‘I would like to thank Tersan Shipyard for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Their world-class facilities and expertise have made them the perfect partner in bringing this vision to life. This launch is a testament to their dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovation,’ said Paul Hufflett, CEO of Aurora Fisheries, speaking at the launch event attended by New Zealand’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, the New Zealand Ambassador to Turkey and representatives of Aurora Fisheries’ parent company Solander Group.
Takapo is expected to operate southern blue whiting, jack mackerel and ling, as well as on squid and hake in New Zealand and Antarctic waters. Production is to be held at -30°C in the 2135 cubic metre refrigerated fishroom, outfitted for palletised storage.
The factory deck will have production and packaging lines for fillets and H&G, as well as surimi processing installation and a 250-tonne capacity reverse osmosis system.
The main engine is a 4880kW unit, along with a 3000kW shaft generator and two auxiliary engines. Accommodation is planned for up to 50 persons.
‘We are immensely proud to be the builders of this state-of-the-art vessel for Aurora Fisheries. Takapo will be the first vessel delivered to New Zealand from Tersan, making her exceptionally special to us,’ said Mehmet Gazioğlu, managing director of Tersan Shipyard.
