Imtech Marine has concluded a distribution agreement with Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL), the parent company of Wassp, of New Zealand and includes the entire Wassp F- and S-Series sonar portfolio and covers the Netherlands, Belgium and China.
Developed by ENL, Wassp is a combination of technologies packaged into a versatile, powerful and cost-effective electronic fishing, marine surveying and scientific research tool.
First Orders for Fishing Vessels
So far three Wassp systems have been sold to existing Imtech Marine customers: Jaczon and Cornelis Vrolijk. A Wassp LF was installed on the Zeeland trawler belonging to Dutch pelagic fishing producer and wholesaler Jaczon and two systems were delivered to Cornelis Vrolijk. One of those systems is for the Frank Bonefaas, a 120 m freezer trawler. The Frank Bonefaas is currently in drydock in Vlissingen in the Netherlands undergoing a complete refurbishment. As well as the Wassp LF and HF system, Imtech Marine is also carrying out the complete renewal of the bridge consoles and sonar room, The job is due for completion in August, 2013.
Cost Savings
John Rijlaarsdam, Imtech Marine Service Department IJmuiden (Netherlands) commented: 'The Wassp equipment is a real asset for skippers, giving them much more information about what is happening with fish under the vessel, so it is easier to get the maximum catch. This should result in more efficient fishing. Costs are reduced through considerable savings in fuel and crewing. The Wassp sonar is very versatile and also offers many interface possibilities with other equipment.'
Surveying, Dredging and Superyachts
Wassp equipment is also interesting for the survey, dredging and superyacht markets. Hugo Abrahamse, Supply Chain Manager, Imtech Marine: 'Currently most super yachts use forward-looking sonars when considering where to drop anchor, but the multibeam sonar provides a great alternative, giving much more detailed information,” he added.
Wassp Multibeam Sonar
Wassp multibeam sonars can accurately map the seafloor and see detailed information in the water column using a wide sonar coverage. The technology profiles the water column and seafloor highlighting reefs, wrecks, fish schools, seafloor hardness changes and foreign objects. Wassp multibeam is available in two configurations. The primary objective of the F-Series is to enhance the skipper’s knowledge of his fishing environment, leading to improved catch rates, reduced gear damage and more productive sea time. Wassp S has been developed for the survey, dredging and scientific research markets.
