Damen has unveiled its 43m UV 4312 fish farm support vessel fitted with a chemical-free delousing installation and able to undertake the maintenance and support tasks particular to saltwater fish farms across larger areas and in more open waters.
VOLT Processor has been built for Norway-based VOLT Service and has a large expanse of clear, protected and easy to clean deck space. The vessel was shown at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, from where she sailed to Norway to be fitted with modular delousing equipment before she begins work at Norwegian salmon farms in the Harstad area.
“The UV 4312 is a highly adaptable vessel,” said Remko Hottentot, Damen sales manager for Norway. “Her modular deck configuration makes it quick and cost-effective to remove equipment and replace with new installations on deck. As well as fish farming support she can be fitted out for light IRM work for the offshore energy sector, buoy-laying plus dive and ROV support.”
Diesel-electric propulsion
Key features of the standard design, some of which also optimise it for fish welfare, include a low freeboard, easy access to the waterline on both sides, a large hold and removable railings for hose-handling operations.
The standard UV 4312 also comes with a diesel-electric configuration that provides an efficient, flexible power supply for the 750kW propulsion installation and for the deck equipment when moored within farms.
During the build of VOLT Processor protection for the propellers from nets and their mooring lines was added along with a large oxygen generating plant and extra deck equipment including cranes, a capstan and tugger winches.
Remøy Management AS was closely involved in the development of the project and will manage the vessel.
The 4312 builds on the development work that went into its smaller predecessor; the UV 2410.
