Inverlussa set to expand
A new 23m workboat has just been ordered from Havyard Ship Technology in Norway by Inverlussa Marine Services, in an agreement that includes an option for the construction of a second vessel later next year.
The vessel, which will be the 9th in the Mull-based company’s aquaculture charter fleet, is due to be delivered this spring.
“We see the vessel being very useful for treatment, both mechanical and peroxide. The idea was to develop a multipurpose aquaculture vessel which can carry also out heavy mooring work, towing and heavy net changing,” Ben Wilson, MD of Inverlussa Marine, explains to Fish Farming Expert.
Although being built in Norway, Ben thinks it’s more likely that it will be deployed in Scotland.
“We are in discussions with a Scottish customer, but can’t say more at the moment,” he says.
All of Inverlussa’s vessels so far are known by female names and the latest addition is no exception.
“All the vessels are named after women in my family – from grannies, to aunts, to sisters,” Ben explains, “and the new one is going to be called Gina Mary”.
Collaboration
The new vessel has been designed in close collaboration between Inverlussa and Macduff Ship Design and will be built at Havyard’s shipyard in Leirvik, with an option for another vessel to be delivered Q3 2017.
In a press release issued today, Sales Director at Havyard Ship Technology, Lars Conradi Andersen, said: “Inverlussa is a perfect partner for us as we enter a new segment, and with their long experience within both sea farming and operation of workboats, they offer good expertise. We are very pleased that they have chosen us, and hope that this is the start of a long and successful partnership.”
Ben added that he was looking forward to working together with Havyard on this project.
“We looked at various shipyards around Europe and are satisfied that we have found a company with the qualities we are looking for and when they came up with an excellent delivery time as well, the choice was easy. Judging by the products they deliver, we have every reason to have high expectations for our new vessel,” he said.
This contract is the first time Havyard Ship Technology has ventured into the aquaculture market and, while it is a smaller vessel compared to those the yard normally builds, they feel it is just as important.
“In the current market, it`s all about being relevant and offering the products that your customer demands. We are very confident that this contract will work well for both companies and that Gina Mary will be a valuable addition to Inverlussa’s rapidly expanding fleet,” said Lars.
