Seattle based naval architecture firm, Jensen Maritime, has been awarded the ‘New Wave Award’ for the concept and design of the ''Northern Leader'', which is currently under construction by J M Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation in Washington.
The ‘New Wave Award’ recognises Jensen’s marine engineering services, ranging from concept design to production engineering and 3D modelling.
The 184ft long vessel, which is being built for Alaskan Leader Fisheries LCC, will be used to support commercial, longline fisheries in the North Pacific, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. When completed, the company says the Northern Leader will be one of the world’s largest commercial longline fishing vessels and the first Z-drive, diesel electric fishing boat ever produced.
Jensen has designed the vessel to be full diesel electric, reduce waste and maximise the value of catch. It allows for full utilisation of targeted fish species by using equipment with minimal environmental impact on the ocean’s ecosystem, while maintaining the lightest possible operational fossil fuel footprint.
John Sperling, vice president, Jensen Maritime, said: “To counteract the dangers and increase the comforts for the crew, we have designed a vessel that will keep them safe from harm, while capitalising on the small seasonal window they have for harvesting their catch. The vessel’s ‘green’ features will also help sustain Alaska’s fish population, and thus their livelihood, for years to come.”
The vessel is expected to be delivered to its homeport of Kodiak, Alaska, in April 2013.
