DESS Aquaculture will install Optimarin ballast water management systems (BWMS) on four of its newbuild 3,500m3 capacity wellboats.
The four ships, two of which are due for delivery in 2019, with their sister vessels following in 2020, are currently under construction at Sefine shipyard in Turkey. Each 82.25m, SALT Design vessel will have two holds for transporting live fish, with 500m3 ballast tanks, plus diesel electric propulsion. Once completed they will push DESS’s specialist fleet up to ten vessels.
Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen said: “These highly specialised vessels are designed with optimal performance and fish welfare in mind, so space on-board is of a premium.
“The modular nature of our powerful UV system makes it the perfect fit, while its simple technology, with no moving parts and easy maintenance, ensures it will provide problem free operations for these busy crews and ships.
“As a company we see huge growth potential in the aquaculture segment, so we’re happy to sign this agreement with such a respected, high profile player.”
Contacts in place
Established in 2016 as a joint venture between Solstad Farstad and John Fredriksen’s Marine Harvest, DESS Aquaculture has secured long-term contracts for all the newbuilds, commencing with immediate effect upon leaving the yard.
Kjetil Løseth, DESS Aquaculture’s shipping commercial director, commented: “We look forwards to putting the vessels into service on schedule and continuing to build our position in this exciting shipping segment.”
