VESSEL REVIEW | Gandvik-1 – First in new series of Norwegian-designed freezer longliners for Russian owner

Russian shipyard Severnaya Verf has completed construction of a new freezer longliner ordered by compatriot shipowner Virma Fishing Company.

Christened Gandvik-1 after the medieval Scandinavian name for the White Sea, the vessel is the first in a series of three longliners designed by Norway's Marin Teknikk for Virma. It has a length of 59 metres, a beam of 13 metres, a displacement of 2,200 tonnes, and accommodations for 30 crewmembers.

The vessel is fitted with an automatic bottom longline system capable of catching select species and avoiding juvenile fish, a freezer hold with two layers of concrete and capacity for 500 tonnes, and a factory with a rated daily processing capacity of 25 tonnes of frozen fillets, canned liver, and other products. The factory is also capable of waste-free processing to enable the vessel to comply with international environmental standards.

The automatic longline system is deployed into the water via a moonpool so that fishing can be done even under extreme weather conditions. The system is also notable for its reduced environmental impact, as it can catch fish without damaging the seabed and marine habitats. Virma said the resulting catch boasts better quality compared to trawling.

A 2,700kW main engine propels the vessel to a speed of 13 knots and allows it to stay out at sea for 45 days while two rudder propellers ensure enhanced manoeuvrability. Electrical power is supplied by two main diesel generators as well as an emergency generator. The engine compartment was laid out in such a way that the limited space would allow installation of the vital propulsion machinery and still leave ample room for the crew to easily perform maintenance and repairs.

The accommodation spaces meanwhile include crew cabins and a galley.

Gandvik-1 and its later sisters Gandvik-2 and Gandvik-3 will be operated primarily in the North Atlantic particularly the Barents and Norwegian Seas, where they will be used to fish for cod and haddock for the Russian domestic market. Construction of all three longliners was completed in compliance to Russian Maritime Register of Shipping rules.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country's leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

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