Scotland’s biggest feed barge launched
The largest feed barge to be used in Scotland to date was officially passed on to Marine Harvest last week.
Akva Scotland handed over an AC 450-tonne Panorama to Marine Harvest Scotland’s Loch Seaforth site on Harris, in an event that was attended by leading figures from both companies.
As Akva’s Sales Director, Douglas Johnson, tells Fish Farming Expert: “It was a very enjoyable day and it was nice to see the barge in the hands of a capable and motivated team.”
Equipped with an impressive 450-tonne feed capacity spread across 8 silos, the 8-line feed system offers a great deal of feeding flexibility and control to optimise growth and performance. This is particularly important at the exposed sites where feeding time may be limited by weather – even in small weather windows during adverse conditions efficient feeding can take place.
What’s more, both the feed capacity and the delivery systems are future-proofed should biomass consents for more dynamic site locations increase from the current maximum of around 2,500 tonnes, perhaps up to 4-5000 tonnes, in line with many sites in Norway – something that many people within the Scottish industry would like to see.
£3m investment
The Loch Seaforth launch was part of a £3 million deal which also included delivery of an Akva Master 320 to Marine Harvest’s Loch Stulaigh site, on South Uist. The Uist barge has a 320-tonne feed capacity and 6-line feed system, but is otherwise very similar spec to the AC450 – it also comes equipped with the latest feeding and integrated feedback monitoring systems, which can be monitored and controlled remotely from a shore base using the Akva Connect software platform.
The two barges were made in Estonia and Lithuania, and the latest delivery means that Akva has now sold around 20 barges, varying in size from 60-320 tonnes, to Scotland and Ireland.
Akva Group Scotland currently employs 50 people and has attracted considerable inward investment from Norway, supplying barges to Marine Harvest, The Scottish Salmon Company, Dawnfresh and Loch Duart.
They are currently looking to further develop their capacity for operating at high energy sites, and their steel barges, whose finishes come with a 5-year guarantee, are created specifically for such rough conditions.
“While no more Akva barges are currently being ordered for Scottish sites, the yards are busy for other markets,” adds Douglas. “We are building steel barges now designed for more exposed locations, up to significant wave heights of 5m.”
