In December 2016 Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Norway-based VOLT Service AS for a Utility Vessel (UV) 4312 to be delivered in Q1 2018. The vessel, to be named VOLT Processor, will undertake delousing operations and other services at Norwegian salmon farms.
Remøy Management AS has been involved in the development of the project and will perform the building supervision. Remøy Management will be the manager of the vessel when delivered.
The UV 4312 follows on from Damen’s smaller model – the UV 2410. The larger, 43 meters model reflects the value operators place on having an abundance of open protected deck space.
The design has been optimised with extensive feedback from the aquaculture industry. The result is a ship that corresponds precisely to the latest techniques in salmon delousing.
Adoption of the latest delousing technology benefits the lice count and fish wellbeing while reducing or eliminating the need for chemicals in the treatment operations.
The combination of the UV 4312 with the latest delousing techniques results in a highly mobile delousing vessel able to service more farms in a larger region and in more open waters.
Co-founder of VOLT Service, Mr Robert Søviknes, has broad experience with cleaner fish services and delousing operations. He said, “With the new vessel we will have a unique platform and a tool to provide the industry with a cost efficient alternative due to increased mobility and a newly developed total concept package for the services offered. The solutions are focused on fish welfare”.
The standard design of the UV 4312 included a diesel-electric configuration, providing an efficient, flexible power supply for the 750 kW propulsion installation and for driving the deck equipment when moored within a farm. Other features include a low freeboard, easy access to the waterline on both sides, a large hold and removable railings for hose-handling operations.
The UV 4312 is open to customisation as the VOLT Processor will demonstrate. Damen will tailor the vessel to the requirements of the client, which includes a third crane, DP1, an increased bow thruster power, an extra generator set and an ozone generator.
The low freeboard minimizes the height difference experienced by the fish during pumping and delousing, which ensures a reduction of stress. Accommodation is provided for up to ten persons in six cabins, plus galley and mess room.
The flexibility of the design means that the vessel can be further equipped in support of other aquaculture activities, such as installation and maintenance works.
Damen Sales Manager Remko Hottentot said, “The UV 4312 is a cost-efficient, ship-shaped and self-propelled floating work station for delousing operations. We did our homework. Compared to earlier vessels this new one offers increased flexibility and improved cost-efficiency. We wish VOLT Service and Remøy Management all the very best with their vessel.”
