The latest in a number of new fishing vessels for the Belgian fleet, the 38-metre Franson Z-91 has been delivered to Rederij Long Ships with a ceremony held outside the Zeebrugge fish auction.
Franson was christened by godparents Shirley Cattoor and Chris Cocquyt, and the new trawler replaces the Francine Z-90.
The BT3808 design has been developed by Damen Maaskant in Stellendam to fit the maximum tonnage and length permitted by the Belgian Maritime Inspectorate. The design includes propulsion optimised for bollard pull and economic operation.
The hull was floated off in Poland during the Covid-19 pandemic and brought to the yard in Stellendam for outfitting.
Rederij Long Ships’ owner Eddie Cattoor is impressed that the yard was able to deliver Franson on time, given the challenges brought about by COVID-19.
“I am proud of our Franson. With this modern ship we can fight against all the difficult periods that the fishing industry is experiencing. What is certainly important, this beautiful ship will enable us to attract young talent again. This is vital because they are the future of the Flemish fisheries,” Eddie Cattoor said.
“They will definitely experience job satisfaction, given this safe, efficient and ergonomic new fishing vessel. Franson meets all the modern and contemporary requirements and this is coupled with the best accommodation for the crew, who have to work hard for many days at sea.”
Franson will operate year-round in the North Sea and the Skagerrak and, in the summer, the Bay of Biscay.
“The new BT3808 is a well thought out evolution of our earlier, proven designs and therefore ready for the future,” said Damen project manager John van der Maas.
“We are sincerely grateful for the pleasant cooperation with the Cattoor family and everyone else who has contributed to this success,” agreed Damen Maaskant’s commercial manager Jeroen van den Berg.
