Composite cat launched for fish farmers

Composite construction leads to a range of benefits including high strength and speed, and low weight and maintenance.
A ballast tank system enables the lifting of weights heavier than usual for typical boats of this class which are used for tasks including net replacement, fish feeding, underwater inspection, research, dredging, installation, and the repair and maintenance of structures. The ballast system can be deployed quickly to distribute weight and ensure the boat’s continuing stability and in just six minutes the catamaran can be ready for lifting.
Developed in close cooperation with companies active in the fish-farming sector, the composite craft compares favourably with the heavy steel-hulled boats which have been used for many years, Tuco claims. Speed is one of the benefits. Steel boats usually have a speed of between nine and 11 knots, but the Tuco vessel operates at more than 20 knots and saves almost a third in fuel consumption owing to its light weight. This obviously generates significant financial savings but also contributes to a more sustainable operation with fewer emissions.
The Prozero, with a cabin mounted forward, has an adjacent workshop, dressing room and bathroom facilities, and its operation can be monitored by a dome-camera with 360-degree coverage mounted on top of the superstructure. Tuco claims that the boat’s design makes it particularly suitable for long-term operations.