Feed barge builder Gael Force Group has revealed a series of 2022 Sea Safe features and enhancements on its extended SeaFeed barge range, encompassing modernised concrete and steel designs.
The supply partner, which recently celebrated a landmark 100th feed barge build, has added to its existing range of 150T to 300T SeaFeed steel barges, and 600T SeaFarm steel barge, are the newly launched range of 400T and 500T SeaFeed steel barge designs, and its SeaFeed concrete barge range now comprising standardised models with 150T, 200T and 350T feed load capacities.
The barges are designed and built in accordance with NS9415 by an in-house team in Scotland.
Announcing the expansion of the range and unveiling of the features, Group Managing Director, Stewart Graham said, “With the price of steel trading at peak levels, continuing to provide our customers with an economical choice of reliable, stable concrete feeding platforms remains important for the safety of farmers and cost-efficient husbandry of fish.
“Our feed barges have gradually evolved over many years as fish farming methods have advanced, however, by modernising our concrete designs within the SeaFeed range and implementing our collection of 2022 Sea Safe features we see this as a significant leap forward, building a stronger more competitive offering in support of our customers.”
The 2022 Sea Safe features across the full range of SeaFeed barges include:
- Freeboards designed to be significantly greater than the requirement as set out in the NS9415 standards for Hs 5-6 rating
- Load line markings are clearly marked on the barge hull to indicate minimum working freeboard, light ship and fully laden levels to the operator
- A smart new hatch alarm system is connected to all external hatches, doors or openings
- Throughout the lower levels, robust DNV compliant watertight doors and hatches have been introduced to increase the segregation between rooms
- Watertight cable glands have been implemented in the design to ensure all cable transitions through walls keep each void watertight
- All new barge designs feature a new heat venting arrangement meaning any heat generated from the plant inside the lower levels of the barge is now vented directly outside thus removing any source of heat build-up
- Optional hybrid power systems can be installed or retrofitted to existing barges
