Schottel propels six new live fish carriers built by Sefine

German manufacturer of propulsion systems Schottel has secured a deal to deliver propulsion equipment for six new live fish carriers being built by Turkish shipyard Sefine.

The vessels feature Salt Ship design and are being built for DESS Aquaculture Shipping AS in Grimstad, Norway.

The latest one to be delivered is Aqua Skilsøy, the third one from the batch. All six live fish carriers, each with a live fish hold capacity of 3,900 m³, will be assigned to long-term contracts for Mowi ASA.

The 84.4-metre long and 16-metre wide LFCs are each powered by an advanced diesel-electric propulsion system.

Schottel said that the equipment package for each ship comprises rudder propellers type SRP 360 FP (1,400 kW each) with a propeller diameter of 2.2 metres and two SCHOTTEL Transverse Thrusters type STT 1 CP (400 kW each) which both feature the patented LEACON sealing system.

The sealing system ensures that, in the event of leakage, any seawater entering the system or any gear oil escaping from the system is collected in an intermediate chamber. This prevents water from entering the gearbox and oil from escaping into the seawater.

Furthermore, in order to enhance the well-being of the fish, hygiene, quality, Aqua Skilsøy has been equipped with an automated cleaning system and an ozone disinfection system and is set up for reverse osmosis and mechanical treatment.

“The manoeuvrability of the vessels is one of our major requirements. This is especially important in the narrow fjords of Norway and small passages close to the fish cages. In order to be environmentally friendly, we also have to ensure that no oil escapes into the seawater. All in all, the systems from Schottel optimally meet our demands,” Henrik Andre Larsen, Project & Development Manager at DESS Aquaculture Shipping, said.

The series is set to be completed by April 2021.