Norwegian partners conclude fish productivity project

Kongsberg Digital, supported with funding from the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund, has completed a project to use simulation technology to improve the safety and improve productivity of purse seine fishing.

The technology company has revealed details of its K-Sim Fishery simulator, originally launched in 2018, that has now been developed to train fishing crews in the techniques and processes of trawl fishing. It provides training in fishing vessel manoeuvring and using equipment for fish-finding and fish-catching.

The project has focused on the integration of purse seine fishing with new piscine research. The aim is to bolster safety and operational efficiency, Kongsberg said. Specifically, it has been designed to enhance fishing gear and methodologies, improve catch and storage procedures, and raise both fish quality and the productivity of fishing operations.

Rita Naustvik, director of the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund, commented: “The simulator allows the crew on a boat to practice all phases of purse seine operations, without exposing them to risks or equipment damage. As a former fisherman, I have personally witnessed the important of having the opportunity to practice these operations.”

Kongsberg Digital’s product advisor in Maritime Simulation, Bjarne Wulff, said: “Close cooperation with the industry has been instrumental in maximising real-life situations with the simulated equipment. I’m proud to demonstrate what we have achieved in this project and assure you that we will continue to develop the K-Sim Fishery simulator to meet future industry demands.”