Vard wins German contract for new trawler design

Fincantieri subsidiary, Vard, has won a contract to supply a stern trawler of Vard 8 03 design to Deutsche Fischfang-Union GmbH & Co. KG, of Cuxhaven, Germany. The fishing vessel has been developed in close cooperation between the shipbuilder and its client, and the contract is worth around EUR 53 million.

The trawler is a good example of latest design innovation in the fishing vessel segment. Fish health management, minimum environmental impact, crew safety, and sustainable operation have all been key priorities, the shipbuilder said in a statement.  

The 84m-long trawler, with a live fish tank to keep the catch healthy until processing, has a factory on board, and a large storage capacity for refrigerated and frozen fish. Waste material, meanwhile, is stored securely in tanks so that it can be used for other purposes ashore.

The trawler design incorporates a range of technical systems to optimise operations and ease personnel workload. Vard Electro will provide a SeaQ package including bridge, power, and automation systems, features which provide the vessel operator with a full performance overview, the company said.

In a joint statement, DFFU directors, Baldvin Thorsteinsson and Samuel Ortega said: “The new vessel will allow us to bring 100% of the catch to shore, enabling the utilisation of the whole catch for increased value creation … [it] will have exceptional crew facilities and will be equipped with the most advanced technology available in our industry.” 

The trawler’s hull will be built at Vard Braila in Romania and further construction and outfit will be completed at Vard Brattvaag in Norway. The vessel is due for delivery early in 2024.