P.S.P. Marine of Samutsakhon, just west of Bangkok, has recently signed a contract to build the first of what may become a series of freezer barges to be stationed in the Maldives.
The 182 by 64m barges will receive fish from the fishing vessels and supply the vessels with fuel, water and ice. Once on the barges, the fish will enter one of two brine freezer tanks capable of freezing 120t of fish per day. The fish will then be placed in one of two 950m3 freezer holds to await transfer to a reefer vessel for delivery to the owners.
Plans call for the barge’s electrical needs to be met by three Cummins KTA38 powered 800Kw generator sets. This power will also support water makers to supply fresh water to the fishing vessels and the 24t per day flake icemaker. A three-story deckhouse will provide accommodation for 40 crew and workers.
Khiam Chuan Marine of Singapore designed the barge for Villa Shipping and Trading of the Maldives.
