A first new coastal trawler for Lorient has been completed at the Socarenam yard in Boulogne for Jean-Pierre Camenen.
The newbuild’s construction was supported by l’Armement du Golfe de Gascogne Morbihan fishing company, an umbrella organisation established by Groupement des Pêcheurs Artisans Lorientais (Association of Artisanal Fishermen of Lorient) to support its members’ investment in new vessels
Designed by naval architect Coprexma and built at Socarenam, Le Breizh is 16.50 metres overall with a 6.40 metre beam, designed for alternating fishing on langoustine and pelagic species. Coprexma’s brief was to design a fishing vessel capable of operating economically, with a bulbous bow that extends the waterline length to provide more speed for less fuel, while a skeg improves water flow to the propeller to optimise performance. Le Breizh is built with Socarenam’s trademak moulded hull shape with no sharp edges anywhere.
Built to alternate on two very different fisheries, groundfish trawling for langoustine and midwater trawling for small pelagics, Le Breizh is fitted out with a single 3000 litre tank for keeping catches fresh – as Lorient’s artisanal fleet traditionally works short trips to land live langoustine. The tank has a system for maintaining both oxygen levels and the temperature at 4°C. An elevator system for boxed langoustine is designed to reduce handling and to improve working conditions. A separate area for discards has been incorporated into the design to meet landing obligation requirements.
‘We are proud to have achieved the design of this ship to meet precisely the expectations of the owner and to help meet the economic and environmental demands facing the fisheries sector. The arrival of Le Breizh at the port of Lorient-Keroman is an optimistic step towards the much-needed renewal of the French fishing fleet, and Coprexma has a role to play in this alongside owners and shipyards,’ A Coprexma spokesman said.
Coprexma currently has a series of its design under construction, including the new 25 metre Bara Xvi being built at Ghelen in Douarnenez for Armament Bigouden, plus the 17.50 metre trio of Guillemot, Annytia and Carmalia being built at the CIB yard in Brest and the 15 metre Paciphae and Terre et Mer taking shape at ABN in St Malo.
