Freire Shipyard in Vigo has celebrated the keel laying of Tauriko, a sophisticated new salmon harvester/processor vessel for Norwegian group Napier. Tauriko will become the largest in the company’s fleet as well as the largest vessel of its kind within the aquaculture sector anywhere in the world.
Tauriko represents the next generation of Napier vessels for the Norwegian aquaculture industry, building on the performance of the current Tauroa and Tautiki in terms of speed, operational efficiency and environmental performance.
Scheduled for delivery in 2027, Tauriko will have an overall length of 83.90 metres, a beam of 15.80 metres and a draught of 5.30 metres. It is expected to return a record speed of 17 knots, powered by a 5200kW main engine and a 2000/1500 kW shaft generator (PTO/PTI). This capability will reduce transport times between fish cages and slaughterhouses, optimising the production chain.
The vessel will also feature two fixed-pitch manoeuvring thrusters at the bow and stern, as well as accommodation for 17 people on board.
Tauriko is have a salmon processing capacity of about 200 tonnes per hour and will be able to transport up to 750 tonnes of fish in its tanks. In addition, it will incorporate eight processing units capable of handling up to 36,000 fish per hour, together with bleeding, grading and chilled seawater storage systems, as well as ozone technology. The advanced and processing plant is designed to incorporate the latest stun and bleed systems, and an effective unloading system, ensuring optimal fish welfare and product quality delivered ashore.
The entire project has been developed in accordance with Norway’s demanding environmental, ethical and quality standards. In this respect, Tauriko will comply with IMO Tier III regulations and will be classed by DNV, further reinforcing the commitment to sustainable, high-performance design.
Established in 1995, Napier entered the industry through innovative wellboat concepts, before solely focusing on the harvest vessel concept from 2009.
