Bergen Group has, through its subsidiary Bergen Group BMV, signed a contract for delivery of two of the world''s most advanced pelagic trawlers and research vessels to Aqueda Shipping Limited and Mariora Shipping Limited.
The vessels are to be delivered in 2011, and the contract is valued at approximately NOK 2.7 billion. In addition, the shipping company has an option for two identical vessels, which brings the potential contract value up to NOK 5.4 billion.
"This is the largest contract ever for Bergen Group BMV, and long and tough negotiations with the Russians were required before we finally could sign the contract", says CEO at Bergen Group BMV, Terje Sjumarken.
The vessels will be designed by Skipsteknisk in Ålesund, who has worked on the project for several years. The vessels have a length of 130m and a width of 24m, and will be fishing in the southern Pacific/Antarctica for pelagic species, mainly horse mackerel, as well as krill. The vessels will have a freezing capacity of as much as 600t a day, which is nearly twice the capacity of existing vessels today. In addition, the vessels will be equipped with a fishmeal factory for production of high-grade fishmeal from krill catch and bycatch, as well as production of krill oil for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the vessels are equipped with large modern laboratories, where 24 scientists will do ocean research while the vessels are on the fishing grounds.
Bergen Group will arrange building of the vessel hulls abroad, whereas the outfitting will take place at Bergen Group BMV. The first vessel is to be delivered in April 2011, and the second in October 2011.
