Cermaq and Frøy christen new hybrid-power wellboat
The companies invited people to a public festival and open boat in Hammerfest, Norway, when the wellboat MS Veidnes was christened. The boat is a hybrid vessel with a comprehensive green concept that, according to salmon farmer Cermaq and wellboat operator Frøy, provides a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 1,100 passenger cars off the road per year.
In a press release, the companies Cermaq and Frøy write that the boat is the result of their good and long-term collaboration over several years, and they say the result is one of the most modern boats that contributes to both good fish welfare and sustainable food production.
Veidnes has a cargo capacity of 6,000 cubic metres, making it the largest wellboat ever in use by Cermaq, the world's third largest Atlantic salmon producer. Energy on board is based on batteries and generators, which will result in a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 1,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. This is equivalent to the emissions from 1,100 passenger cars in one year. Heat from the engines will be used for heating on board.
"This boat will play an important role in ensuring safe and efficient transport of live fish. MS Veidnes will also help to connect Cermaq's activities across municipalities and counties, right from the fish's first year of life at a hatchery on land, via sea facilities, until the fish ends its journey at a slaughterhouse, like here in Rypefjord, and becomes healthy food that is transported to customers around the world," says Cermaq Norway chief executive Kristin Hurum, who was godmother and had the honour of christening the new boat.
Frøy's chief executive Tonje Foss is no less proud and highlights the boat as a flagship in the company's fleet.
"Veidnes has become one of the world’s most environmentally friendly wellboats. The boat builds on Frøy’s operational experience, is equipped with world-leading Norwegian technology, and is designed with improved fish welfare and energy-efficient operation in mind. This is how Frøy, together with Cermaq, ensures sustainable food production. The crew is the core of our quality deliveries, and has ensured a record-breaking start-up of MS Veidnes," says Foss.
