VESSEL REVIEW | Liafjord – Norwegian seiner/trawler capable of reduced-emission operations

A new hybrid-powered seiner/trawler has been handed over to Norwegian family-owned fishing company Liegruppen.

Designed by compatriot naval architecture firm Salt Ship Design in compliance to Bureau Veritas class rules, Liafjord replaces a 2013-built trawler in the owner's fleet. Like the slightly larger, 2021-built Libas, which was also designed by Salt Ship, Liafjord has a hybrid electric propulsion system and is equipped for both purse seining and pelagic trawling.

Unlike Libas, however, the newbuild will not have the option of running on lower-emission LNG. According to Liegruppen CEO Bjarne Haldorsen, the decision was made to have only one LNG-powered vessel (Libas) in the company's fleet, as it would have been costly to build a vessel that needed to be larger just to ensure there would be adequate space for an LNG fuel tank.

Liafjord has an LOA of 71.45 metres, a moulded beam of 15 metres, a gross tonnage of 2,630, a deadweight of approximately 2,500, and RSW hold tanks with a total capacity of 2,100 cubic metres. The hybrid electric arrangement includes a Bergen B33:45L8P main engine, a Corvus Energy 509kWh energy storage system, two Yanmar 750kW generators, and a Brunvoll integrated package consisting of a gear and controllable-pitch propeller system with shaft and stern tube, tunnel thrusters, and a control system.

The two-speed system was designed by Brunvoll for high flexibility with two different propeller speeds for efficient operation adapted to the vessel's operating profile. Optimisation of propeller speeds means that the zero-pitch loss is reduced to a minimum, thus leading to fuel savings and reduced emissions.

The propulsion system has PTO/PTH function from a combined shaft generator/electric motor. This means that the vessel can supply surplus energy to the main switchboard from the main engine in PTO mode, whereas in PTH mode, the vessel will run electrically in emergency mode.

The bow foils provided by Wavefoil are seamlessly integrated into the vessel's design, significantly reducing motions and energy consumption in challenging wave conditions. This technology not only ensures lower fuel consumption and emissions but also enhances the safety and comfort of the crew on board. The bow foil technology also further empowers the vessel to maintain higher speeds even in rough seas.

To further reduce its environmental impact during operations, Liafjord is fitted with electric winches from Evotec as well as a heat recovery system. Also fitted are two RSW tanks from MMC First Process, a high-pressure washer from HL Skjong, firefighting equipment from Axis, and lifeboats from Viking Norsafe.

The crew accommodation spaces include cabins, a mess, a galley, and lounges. Outfitting of the interiors was undertaken by Maritime Montering.