Gael Force goes Dutch to satisfy industry's appetite for feed barges
A 400-tonne capacity steel feed barge built for aquaculture supplier Gael Force Group is being towed from the Netherlands to Inverness, where it will be fitted with the company’s SeaFeed feeding system.
The barge, constructed by Nauplius Workboats, has been commissioned by Scotland’s biggest salmon farmer, Mowi, for one of its more exposed sites on the west coast.
Gael Force has constructed more than 100 feed barges but partnered with Nauplius for the first time so that it could meet the build requirements while its own facility was fully occupied with new and refurbished concrete barge projects.
Last year, Gael Force signed an agreement with Nauplius for the structural build of its steel barge hulls, along with surface treatments, and painting, at the Dutch company's yard at Groningen. Mechanical and electrical full fit-out and installation of the SeaFeed system is carried out by Gael Force in Inverness.
Fitting out
“We are delighted with all aspects of the barge design and appearance,” Gael Force Group operations director Stephen Offord said in a press release.
“The launch went off without a hitch and we are now looking forward to getting it into our own yard, where we can finish fitting out and installing the feeding systems on board.”
He added: “Partnering with Nauplius’ yard on this occasion gave us the flexibility needed to adapt our build programme effectively.”
Steel and concrete
The barge will be delivered to Mowi’s site before the end of the year.
Gael Force said the barge demonstrates its expertise in supplying both steel and concrete feed barges to the aquaculture industry, complete with comprehensive feeding technologies.
Nauplius Workboats has earned a reputation for supplying vessels on time and budget, and has built workboats for Mowi Scotland directly and for Mull-based Inverlussa Marine Services, which has contracts with Mowi and other salmon farmers.
