09-Aug-2023

The construction of the new Berlin NC 107 is progressing well

The building of the vessel hull and installation of main components takes place in VARD's site in Braila, Romania.

The construction of the new Berlin NC 107 by Norwegian shipbuilder VARD is progressing well. The owner and operator of the vessel will be Alda's German subsidiary, Deutsche Fischfang Union GmbH (DFFU). The new stern trawler will replace the Baldvin NC.

The building of the vessel hull and installation of main components takes place in VARD's site in Braila, Romania. Currently, the yard focuses on electrical cable installation and accommodation, finalising paint all around and cargo room spaces. Main winches are also being installed.

In August, the vessel will be towed to VARD's yard in Brattvåg, Norway, to enter the final stage of the building process. The towing from Braila was postponed for a few weeks, but the postponement will not delay the delivery of the new build, which is planned for the first quarter of 2024.

The new trawler will be equipped with the latest technology, equipment, and solutions for onboard production. All the catch will be processed, packed, and stored onboard. The vessel will also be equipped with innovative catch handling solutions, a live fish tank to keep the fish healthy until processing, an advanced fish processing factory, high cargo capacity for refrigerated and frozen fish, and ensilage tanks to ensure full utilisation of the biomass from each catch.

The new trawler will provide more operational flexibility

Samuel Rodriguez, the Managing Director of DFFU, says the new trawler will provide more operational flexibility.

"Over the past few years, our work environment has changed considerably, especially regarding supplies and repairs of various kinds. It all takes longer than before, and therefore, preventive maintenance and orders need to be even more planned and prepared. It is not uncommon to see 6–12-month delivery times on various items bought from stock just a few years ago. Having newer vessels in operation allows us to focus more on the operational side rather than on the costly and challenging maintenance tasks that often accompany the operation of older ships. It would surprise many people unfamiliar with our fishing areas how demanding the conditions can become, resulting in the wear and tear of the vessels, machinery, and equipment," says Rodriguez.

Samuel Rodriguez, the Managing Director of DFFU.

Petur Thor Erlingsson, fleet manager at DFFU, says space will be exceptionally well utilised on the Berlin NC 107. He adds that the diverse production capabilities of the vessel will be a big advantage.

"One of the main focuses of production will certainly be fillets, but there is also fresh fish and shrimp line on board along with fish ensilage. We have not had all these production possibilities in the same vessel before, but we have experience with these production lines from older ships, which will be useful. The fish ensilage is new to us, but it is a relatively simple production. The processing capacity of this ship will be excellent, where quality will be the primary focus, and all raw materials will be treated and utilised with the best available methods," says Erlingsson.

The vessel hull towering over workers in VARD's site in Braila, Romania.

Increased automation and a more comfortable accommodation

Sigurdur Kristjansson, the captain of Baldvin NC, will be captain of the new Berlin NC 107. Kristjansson says that the new vessel will be able to tow three trawls, which will be a significant change. He also mentions fuel efficiency.

Kristjánsson says that the most crucial difference for the crew is a more comfortable working environment and accommodations. "This new vessel has a higher level of automation in production which means a more comfortable working environment for the crew. It is a different level of intensity where machines are replacing manual work. We hope the daily processing capacity will be higher so that the ship can produce higher daily product volumes, saving energy. Therefore, the vessel should be more fuel efficient," says Kristjansson.

He also mentions acoustics on the vessel, stability during challenging weather and light onboard. "These new vessels are much better at sea, so harder winds or storms have much less effect on the crew. I would also like to mention the crew's quarters, designed to let in more light so the quarters are much brighter, which should contribute to the increased well-being of the crew at sea," says Kristjansson.