Rolls-Royce Marine has signed a contract with Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C. in Louisiana, USA, for the development of a highly technologically advanced pelagic trawler. The 100 metre vessel is to be built for Seattle based company Arctic Storm Management Group, LLC.
In addition to being the largest fishing vessel contract to date for Rolls-Royce with a value of about £15m, it also marks the first Rolls-Royce fishing vessel concept to be built at a US shipyard.
Rolls-Royce has worked closely with owner Arctic Storm on developing this latest design, and the vessel will be equipped with a processing plant for fillet, surimi, fishmeal and fish oil. It will also be able to accommodate a crew of more than 150.
‘This will be the largest and most advanced fishing vessel ever to be built in the US. The fact that both the design and the supply and integration of the comprehensive equipment package is provided from, and coordinated by, Rolls-Royce is a key enabler for us,’ said Doug Christensen, CEO of Arctic Storm Management Group.
The 100 metre LOA, 21 metre beam vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2021. The new trawler is a Rolls-Royce NVC 336 WP design arranged for pelagic trawling in the North Pacific waters for Alaska pollock and cod. In addition to the design, Rolls-Royce will deliver an integrated package of advanced ship technology and equipment to the vessel.
‘We are very happy about this contract which could open possibilities within a new segment for us. Our Louisiana-based shipyard and Rolls-Royce have worked well together before, and we feel confident that this project will follow the same successful path,’ said Walter Thomassie, Managing Director of Thoma-Sea Marine Constructor.
Commenting on the choice of Rolls-Royce as the ship’s developer, Doug Christensen added; ‘It is a critical factor to have a technology partner with a strong presence in the region who are able to support the construction of the vessel at the yard, in addition to having a strong service organisation to support us during operations. We strive towards continuous improvement in everything we do, however this investment will take us a giant step forward.’
In addition to the design, Rolls-Royce will supply the propulsion system based around a Bergen B33:45 main engine in combination with Bergen generator sets. This arrangement is deigned to optimise and meet the requirements for low fuel consumption, reduced emissions and low noise and vibration levels. Also included in the Rolls-Rolls package are the bow thruster, deck machinery systems, automation and control systems, electrical system, steering gear and a flap rudder.
‘Arctic Storm Management Group is a long-time customer of our products and services, and we are of course delighted that they have now chosen a complete Rolls-Royce design and integrated system solution for their newbuilding,’ commented Rolls-Royce – Marine, SVP Ship Design & Systems, Knut Eilert Røsvik.
‘Arctic Storm’s long experience in this type of fishery is of high value in our design development phase. We are not only creating a fishing vessel together, but also a fully equipped, floating fish processing plant.’
