Doubling up: the service catamaran that’s also a process boat

The Volt Collector 1 has been built by Moen Marin and is equipped with a slaughter unit by Optimar.

“An optimal stun and bleed process on the edge of the fish cage, can be an important contribution to both increased fish welfare and reduced mortality, in addition to increasing the quality of the end product,” said Moen Marin technical manager Torfinn Hansvik. “Reducing unnecessary handling of the fish, and also the fact that the fish is as lively as possible just before stunning, has a good effect on quality and shelf life.”

‘Outstanding flexibility’

Hansvik believes that the boat Moen Marin is about to deliver can make an important contribution to doing just that.

“We have made a boat with high stunning capacity on the basis of a traditional service boat. Meaning, you can remove the equipment if changes in needs or demands for services occur. This boat provides outstanding flexibility,” he said.

Robert Søviknes, operations manager at Remøy’s aquaculture department, said: “This solution allows us to get started fast. And also, we basically wanted a boat that was multifunctional. Our core business is processing boats and delousing, but many of today’s customers have tasks that also require a smaller service boat. Volt Collector 1 can do both.”

Automatic reporting

The vessel has a smart system that gives complete control over the processing, and everything is logged continuously. Both the end customer and the processing facility on shore get access to documentation through automatic reporting of washing, rinsing and ozonation.

“This is a system that maintains the quality of the fish. Fast chilling, optimised volume and good cooling and circulation ensure shelf life of the fish,” said Opitmar sales manager Hans Thunem, adding that there has been very good collaboration.

“I think all parties found this project exciting, especially thinking new and out of the box.”

Bigger deck

The 15 x 12 metre catamaran has a significantly larger deck area than a 15 x 10 boat. In addition, it has four cabins - two twin cabins and two one-person cabins.

“You can have a crew of 6, who get a spacious cabin and a fantastic work deck,” said Jan Tore Ysland, who has been the boat’s project manager.

The relatively small boat also packs a powerful punch.

“We have equipped the boat with two heavy cranes from Palfinger (PK 90002 and PK 41002). It provides great capacity to perform heavier operations. In addition, the stun and bleed system requires a lot of power, so the boat has two generators that generate around 300 kilowatts. It is a crazy capacity,” said Ysland.

Better overview

Other solutions are also in place, primarily to make the everyday work better for the crew.

The wheelhouse layout is based on freestanding “pods” with space for all navigation and control equipment. “It gives better overview, greater mobility and better HSE,” said Ysland.

“The ballast system is based on electrically activated valves that is controlled from the wheelhouse, meaning you have complete control on the ballasting of the boat at all times when filling and emptying.”

Moen Marin’s Hansvik is excited about the prospects for concept.

“This is the first 15 x 12 catamaran in the world with its own processing facility,” he said, “but I don’t think it will be the last.”