A forward-thinking Norwegian aquaculture company has opted for battery technology for its vessels to save costs and preserve the environment.
Salmar has contracted the energy equipment company Plan B Energy Storage (PBES) to equip its electric fish farm vessel Elfrida with battery technology.
“We see this as crucial preparation for a low-carbon future,” said Roger Bekken, managing director of Salmar.
“In keeping with our forward-thinking management and focus on operational efficiency, adding battery technology to our vessels brings cost savings and environmental stewardship together in one package.”
“The battery system onboard Elfrida was one of the first PBES installed in a working vessel and proves the technology and has proved to be well suited to fish farming,” said Grant Brown, vice president of marketing, PBES.
“We envision the entire fleet of Norwegian aquaculture and fishing vessels to either run as hybrid or on full battery propulsion,” he added.
The vessel has been in operation since February 2017 and provides up to 12 knots speed and a full eight-hour shift per charge.
Not only does the system eliminate emissions, the fact there is no noise, vibration or diesel fumes provides greater crew comfort, less fatigue and leads to safer working conditions onboard.
The award of the contract for energy storage aboard the electric fish farm vessel Elfrida is one of the latest in an ongoing trend toward adoption of green technology in Norway.
