Sølvtrans orders wellboats 49 and 50
Battery-hybrid vessels are specially designed for smolt transport
The world's biggest wellboat operator, Sølvtrans, has ordered two battery-hybrid vessels from shipbuilder Aas Mekaniske in Vestnes, Norway. Both vessels are of Aas 3002 design and will each have a well capacity of 3,000m³. They will be specially equipped for the transfer of smolts.
Sølvtrans said the wellboats will have best equipment available on the market to ensure good fish welfare, avoid fish escapes and optimize biosecurity. Each vessel will be equipped to give smolts the best start at sea through the company’s self-developed, patented system for smolt loading to ensure efficient sorting and accurate counting.
“The vessel is also equipped with a large battery pack in combination with a specially designed engine pack to minimise environmental impact and emissions,” said Joakim Kjølleberg, head of energy at Sølvtrans.
“Based on our experience from the existing smolt fleet, we have been able to tailor the set-up to the operating profile the boats will have.”
Dedicated crew
The new vessels will take the number of specialised smolt transport wellboats in Sølvtrans’ fleet to six and the total crew complement for those vessels to approximately 90 sailors.
“We look forward to being able to expand our dedicated crew on board the well-known and modern Aas 3002 design and to using the fish handling equipment on board. Here, both seafarers and smolts will have a good time,” said Vik.
Norway-headquartered Sølvtrans said it has had a very good and close collaboration with Aas Mekaniske in Vestnes since the beginning of the 90s. The new smolt carriers will be the 40th and 41st vessels that Sølvtrans has built at Aas since its inception.
“Building locally is very important for local value creation in the region. Sølvtrans has always focused on close and good ties with local shipyards to ensure delivery of the best vessels. These two vessels constitute a milestone for the company as these will be vessels number 49 and 50 in what is the world’s most modern fleet,” said chief executive Robin Halsebakk.
