VESSEL REVIEW | Volt Harvest I – Aquaculture workboat with innovative fish handling features

Norwegian shipbuilder Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted (FMV) has handed over a new workboat to Volt Service, an aquaculture support company that operates primarily in the western and central parts of the country.

Volt Harvest I was designed by Heimli Ship Design and FMV in close collaboration with Volt Service, which needed a compact stun and bleed vessel with features that help guarantee fish quality during the transport of catch from offshore pens to customers’ processing facilities.

The vessel has a length of 28.7 metres, a beam of 10.2 metres, and a gross tonnage of 399. A Caterpillar C32 main engine that produces 746 kW at 1,800 rpm drives a Finnøy propeller and gearbox arrangement. AS Scan provided the steering system while MB Hydraulikk installed side thrusters to aid in manoeuvring.

Live fish is hauled on board via pumps. The fish is then anesthetised before it is gently loaded into the onboard tanks. FMW said that by anesthetising the fish immediately after pumping, the stress on the fish is minimised.

The vessel is also equipped with its own species recognition program, which counts and measures the weight and size of all fish brought on board.

The boat was designed to be capable of harvesting 60 tonnes of fish in one hour thanks to an Optimar fish handling arrangement that includes two automated lines. A FrioNordica cooling system helps preserve fish quality in the 400-cubic-metre tank. The fish are kept in an enclosed space while in transit to reduce the risk of infection.

The deck equipment includes cranes from Palfinger Marine. The navigation and communication electronics are from Furuno while Glamox and R. Stahl Transberg supplied all external lighting including the searchlights. Electrical installation works were provided by Vassnes Power.

R&M Ship Interior supplied the interior furnishings and International Coatings paint was used on the exterior surfaces. NorSap seating is installed in the wheelhouse. All doors fitted on the vessel are from Libra-Plast.

The crew spaces include single-berth and double-berth cabins, a lounge/mess, and a galley. The galley equipment is from Beha-Hedo Industrier.

The boat also has safety equipment from Viking Norsafe.

Click here for more news and gear stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on fishing and aquaculture.