Queensland based Wood Fisheries Directors, Sandy Wood-Meredith and Brian Symes have between them a total of 64 years fishing experience.
Both have built boats before, but never in China and never with the goal of building the "perfect tuna vessel". The shipyard, in Fujian Province had a history in fishing vessel construction, but since entering the international market had specialised in ocean going tugs, so the completion of "Luen Voyager" was very much an exercise in communication and
cooperation. For example the Owners required complete keel cooling right down to the hydraulic oil, but keel cooling was unknown technology to the shipyard. The design of the vessel was done by the shipyard and approved by CCS, but also had to comply with USL and Queensland Transport. The technical requirements of a modern longliner were unknown to the shipyard so the Owners provided certain drawings and equipment from other countries.
The bulbous bow and bilge keel design came from Simon Bath of Universal Design and Drafting in Adelaide, the design of the live bait tanks and keel cooling was done by Cian Groves of Ashworth Marine Engineering in Mooloolaba, and the refrigeration design was done by Joe Perry of Northfreeze in Mooloolaba. The Owners were looking for extra speed and chose Rice Propulsion from Mexico for the scew propellor and steaming nozzle. Ice making technology and equipment was supplied by Maja in Germany.
The project was over 18 months, the first 6 months in research and finding a suitable shipyard, the second six months in negotiation and design and then the six month construction period.
CCS did the inspections during the construction period and Wood Fisheries employed their own interpreter/supervisor. As well either Brian or Sandy were at the shipyard during construction to help with any technical difficulties.
As always the owners were looking for the biggest fuel and fish carrying capabilities, but having to work within the strictest stability criteria as determined by the CCS requirement, and at the same time keeping the vessel within the 25 metre threshold.
A good balance was achieved with fresh water capacity of 15,000 litres, and 45,000 litres of fuel.
The fish and ice hold is 31 cubic metres, bait freezer 15 cubic metres and the 6 live bait tanks come ice slurry tanks in total 25 cubic metres.
A full shelter deck was sought, but could not pass stability for this design so exposed area on the foredeck will be canvassed in.
The accommodation is very well appointed with a large galley area and 2 bathrooms. There are 3 crew cabins on the main deck, one a single berth, one a double and the other three berth. The Masters cabin is on the upper deck aft of the bridge.
In line with the Class requirements much of the equipment is in duplicate including, gensets, steering pumps, compressors, power pacs, pumps, engine-room to bridge telegraph and compasses.
