Damen delivers larger multifunction aquaculture support vessel

Damen Shipyards has delivered a aquaculture support vessel to Isle of Skye-based Organic Sea Harvest. The landing utility vessel (LUV) 1908 is a larger version of the earlier LUV 1608 and, like the earlier design, has a bow ramp for rolling cargo, craneage, and a total of 100m² of deck space rated at 2.5 tonnes per square metre.

The first 19m-long LUV 1908, built at Coastal Workboats Scotland with support from Damen, is fitted with an HS Marine AK 72/26 E4 foldable and telescopic boom-type crane. On site, the vessel can undertake a range of tasks and support services including pen maintenance and net cleaning. It has day accommodation for up to eight people, and capacity to carry 40 tonnes of cargo.

Organic Sea Harvest is a new company which aims to use pioneering technologies and methods to bring organic salmon to the UK and world markets. The company’s LUV 1908 will ultimately support four separate fish farms, off the north-east coast of Skye.

Damen sales manager, Mike Besijn, commented: “Organic Sea Harvest wanted a clean ship with minimal power consumption and emissions for maximum sustainability. We are delighted that the LUV 1908 meets all their needs and we are very pleased to have built it in the UK. The aquaculture sector is an important market for Damen and we have developed good relationships with its participants.”