The Simrad office in Spain, Simrad Spain SL, received a record order for 118 ITI systems on 25th March 2009. The ITI systems shall be used by the trawler fleet operating around a new gas pipeline, which is currently under construction between Denia, on the east coast of Spain, and Mallorca, passing through Ibiza. The ITI trawl systems are part of a complete package developed by Simrad Spain SL on request of the pipeline owner, the Spanish gas giant Enagas.
The extensive package is Simrad’s largest ever single trawl systems order. In addition to the 118 ITI trawl systems, the order includes the same quantity of Olex seabed mapping systems, Black Box recorders, JRC GPS gyros and Thyboron trawl door pairs. The Black Box recorders will log and transmit vessel and trawl data on a daily basis through the GSM network to a server based at Simrad. The total value of the package is close to Euro 8,5 million. A 30 year service contract has also been agreed as part of the package.
The route of the new Enagas pipeline takes it through valuable fishing grounds to the south of Valencia and the North of Alicante. As a result of this the fishermen require equipment in order to avoid causing damage to the infrastructure and their trawls, whilst maintaining an efficient and profitable fishery. Enagas also require daily reporting of the movements of every fishing vessel in the area around the pipeline. These requirements together are the reason for Enagas supplying the packages to the local vessels.
The trawl system will be used to avoid causing damage to the infrastructure and their trawls, whilst maintaining an efficient and profitable fishery.
“Simrad Spain SL is the company best positioned to meet the wide scope of Enagas’ and the local fishery’s needs,” comments Agustin Mayans, General Manager, Simrad Spain. “The best way to provide the protection required is to know the exact position of the pipeline and have an accurate map of the bottom topography. At the same time, you must know the exact position and depth of the trawl and trawl doors. The only system that can provide this is the Simrad ITI positioning system interfaced to the Olex sea bed mapping system. This way each skipper will have full control of the net in a 3D environment.”
To control the lift and landing of the trawl over the pipeline a set of Thyboron trawl doors was included as a part of the package. The stability of these doors is vital to make the ‘jump’. A reporting system and help desk has been established at Simrad Spain for the administrative work. This office will collect vessel data and send reports to Enagas on a regular basis.
“To my knowledge, this is the largest single order for trawl systems ever, anywhere in our industry,” says Mads Dahl, Sales and Marketing Director, Simrad. “The crew at Simrad Spain has been working day and night to get this package together against some strong competition. In my opinion Enagas has made the right decision not only based on products but also because Simrad Spain is the most experienced and professional trawl organization anywhere. They are therefore able to provide the ongoing services and support that the contract requires.”
Approximately five to seven systems will be delivered and installed immediately with further deliveries every week until all vessels have the complete systems installed. The crew of each vessel will be trained and serviced by the highly experienced Simrad Spain team, adding further value to the whole package. Also, as part of the KONGSBERG Group, Simrad can provide even further value through its relation to the Oil & Gas industry, making the company a very strong partner with Enagas throughout the 30 year horizon of the project.
