New Zealand seafood company Sanford Limited has placed an order with Damen Shipbuilding Maaskant for the design and build of a new scampi vessel for operation in the Southern Ocean.
This new vessel is expected to contribute to Sanford’s target of reducing the carbon footprint from its direct operations by 25% between 2020 and 2030. The construction of the diesel-electric vessel will take place at the Damen Maaskant yard in the Netherlands, with a delivery date in 2025.
‘This exciting new vessel build signals our intention to invest in our core business, to improve our efficiency and environmental performance of our fleet. It strengthens our ability to supply exceptional New Zealand seafood both domestically and to the rest of the world,’ said Sanford Chairman Sir Robert McLeod.
As well as diesel-electric propulsion, it will also have electric trawl winches integrated into the electrical system to re-route energy back to the switchboards, and the main propulsion also has a ‘get me home’ backup option in the event of problems with the main propulsion motor.
Further innovations include fans and large motors are on variable speed drives. In colder climates in or near the Southern Ocean, the fans can slow down to reduce energy usage. Sanford has focused on using a robust long-lasting paint and anti-fouling coating system, which will reduce paint consumption and reduce solvent release to the atmosphere.
The choice has gone to CO2 as the refrigeration gas to be use on board, and while this is still a greenhouse gas, it is a significant improvement on CFSs and HFCs as a refrigerant.
Sanford’s new trawler will also feature the latest safety facilities for the crew, advanced bird protection for seabird safety and enhanced waste management to minimise any emissions.
‘The introduction of this modern vessel is a significant milestone in Sanford’s strategy for our Wildcatch business,’ said Sanford CEO Peter Reidie.
‘It will be a major step forward in resilient vessel design, which will give us the ability to fish in more challenging conditions. This investment of circa $30 million shows a strong commitment by Sanford and its board, to sustaining our core business and our fishing fleet.’
