Recently, the first in series Damen Shrimp Trawler 2607 successfully completed its sea trials in the Port of Hamriya, UAE. The Dutch shipbuilder has designed the new vessel for the next generation of (sub) tropical shrimp fishing.
The design aims at the provision of a straightforward, no-nonsense platform, easy to operate and with minimal maintenance requirements. The Shrimp Trawler 2607 has an extremely low fuel consumption resulting in lower fuel costs and reduced emissions.
Also read: Multraship adds new Damen tug to its fleet
Reduced fuel consumption
Damen set about the development of the Shrimp Trawler as a solution for the growing market interest in fuel efficient vessels. The company is specialised in the designing of high-pull vessels with limited propulsion power, and therefore, lower fuel consumption. Other examples of this include the recently delivered beam trawlers for Belgium and the company’s tugs.
For those vessels, as with the Shrimp Trawler 2607, Damen applied CFD technology for optimisation. This has resulted in a larger propeller diameter, and a high catch nozzle, applied together with a streamlined balance rudder and skeg to reduce fuel consumption. The result, says Sales Manager at Damen Maaskant Pieter Louwe van Slooten, is a significant reduction in fuel consumption.
Van Slooten: ‘Before we began with the construction of this vessel, we undertook a considerable amount of research to ensure optimal fuel efficiency, while securing the power necessary for trawling operations. The effects were clearly visible during sea trials, when the vessel surpassed our expectations. Compared to similar vessels currently operating in the market, the Shrimp Trawler demonstrated fuel savings of between twenty and 25 per cent – representing a significant reduction in operating costs.’
Also read: Damen to expand ties with Portuguese shipbuilding
User-friendly, minimal maintenance
As well as having a positive impact on the vessel’s OPEX, the fuel efficiency also means a considerable reduction in emissions. This ensures the Shrimp Trawler’s suitability for use as maritime operations become increasingly sustainable around the world.
The vessel’s efficient profile goes beyond low levels of fuel consumption. The design of the Shrimp Trawler is deliberately straightforward, ensuring extreme user-friendliness, as well as reliability and minimal maintenance requirements. While simple where required, the vessel nonetheless features state-of-the-art shrimp freezing and storage facilities to ensure a high quality catch.
Also read: Damen brings in Alfa Laval for ASW Frigates
Engine room aft, fish hold under deckhouse
Other changes on this vessel compared to its predecessors, have been made by positioning the engine room aft of the fish hold, thus shortening the propulsion line, without the shaft having to pass underneath the fish hold.
The fish hold itself is located now under the deckhouse with a positive influence on trim of the vessel in different loading conditions. Processing and freezing of the shrimp now takes place on the aft side of the deckhouse, directly above the entrance of the fish hold, for better logistics. On the existing vessels, the plate freezer is located on the aft side of the working deck.
Another feature of the vessel is its high levels of safety and comfort. ‘The sturdiness of the vessel was also very clear to see during the trials,’ adds Van Slooten. ‘Ensuring safety on board our vessels is one of the main priorities for Damen. The Shrimp Trawler also applies a lot of high quality, modern furniture and components to ensure comfort – after all, people working on the vessel are going to be spending weeks at a time on board.’
Also read: Damen lands new customer for four Combi Freighters
Building in series
The Shrimp Trawler 2607 is designed for operation in (sub)tropical environments. Its design is flexible, allowing for the vessel to conduct various different fishing methods in addition to shrimp trawling.
Based on Damen’s practice of building vessels in series, the first Shrimp Trawler 2607 is available with a short delivery time. Van Slooten: ‘Following the successful conclusion of sea trials, the vessel can be ready for delivery, following client specific adaptations, within a few months.’
Also read: VIDEO: Damen launches first of six Windcat CSOVs
Global availability
The Damen philosophy of shipbuilding also means that the vessel can be constructed anywhere in the world.
‘As well as our own international network of shipyards, we can also support the construction of vessels such as the Shrimp Trawler 2607 at non-Damen yards via the Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC). With this successful initiative, we not only widen access to our vessel, but help to build sustainable shipbuilding industries around the world,’ concludes Van Slooten.
Picture by Damen.
