Rolls-Royce to deliver technology for innovative ocean fish farm and live fish carrier

Nordlaks in Stokmarknes, Norway, is currently building a 385m long and 60m wide offshore salmon farm. The installation is being built at the CIMC Raffles yard in China. Nordlaks has also ordered a new hybrid/LNG live fish carrier (wellboat) to be built at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey. Rolls-Royce has been commissioned to provide equipment for both newbuilds, which have been designed by NSK Ship Design, Rolls-Royce said on Monday in a press release.

Rolls-Royce will supply six TT1100 tunnel thrusters to the massive fish farm, which has been designed to produce salmon further offshore than has been possible so far. The farm will take up a stationary position in an area southwest of Hadseløya in Nordland county. The thrusters will be used to circulate water both inside and underneath the cages in which the fish stocks are held.

Ottar Ristesund, Rolls-Royce, SVP Propulsion Sales – Marine, said: “This is the first time we will be supplying thrusters for this kind of use. Normally, they are used for ship propulsion, so it is fascinating to see that our technology is being applied in new areas. It’s good that the maritime industry can join forces with fish farmers to think innovatively and help Norway harvest food from the sea using new and sustainable methods.”

Nordlaks has also ordered a new, environment-friendly wellboat to transport live salmon from the offshore fish farm to the onshore processing facility. The wellboat will be fitted with four LNG engines, as well as propulsion and Dynamic Positioning (DP) system from Rolls-Royce. Capable of carrying over 600 tonnes of live salmon, the wellboat will substantially increase Nordlaks’s transport capacity.

“By choosing a hybrid solution that includes our well-proven Bergen gas engines and the energy-efficient Promas propeller system, Nordlaks and NSK Ship Design have taken a long-term perspective with regard to both environmental and financial performance,” explained Ristesund.

“In addition, they have specified a propeller solution that provides the best possible manoeuvrability – whether the vessel is serving traditional fish farms in Norway’s fjords or the new installations located in rougher waters offshore. Combined with the DP system, this means the vessel produces low emissions and will run efficiently for many years. We are pleased that Nordlaks has chosen Rolls-Royce Marine in connection with both these exciting projects, and will do our best to ensure they are a success for the client and the two shipyards concerned.”

Rolls-Royce is a world leader in marine solutions, providing products, service and expertise to more than 30,000 vessels in the offshore, merchant, naval surface and submarine markets. It designs ships and its product range includes propulsion systems featuring diesel engines and gas turbines, propellers, thrusters and water jets. Rolls-Royce also provides manoeuvring and stabilising systems and deck machinery. The company employs over 39,000 skilled people, including 11,000 engineers, in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in over 50 countries.