French operator Saupiquet has placed an order with Piriou for a new 67 metre tuna purse seiner. The new Via Alizé is to be built at Piriou’s yard in Vietnam with a 2020 delivery date.
The order is part of Saupiquet’s policy change in recent years, with a stringent requirement for sustainably sourced raw material, and with its production sold under the Pêche Française label that guarantees that 100% of the company’s canned tuna is sourced from French vessels, as well as guaranteeing responsible fishing, quality, traceability and a support for French jobs.
Between the yard in Concarneau and its shipyard in Vietnam, Piriou has built eight tuna seiners in the 80-90 metre size bracket since 2010, and the company’s orderbook is showing a significant fishing industry element, as in addition to Saupiquet’s Via Alizé, three longliners and two trawlers are scheduled to be delivered by the company during 2019.
At 67 metres overall and with a 12.40 metre beam, Saupiquet’s new Via Alizé will be on a smaller scale than that of previous tuna purse seiners, reflecting the company’s requirements and the proven design by Piriou Ingenierie takes into account regulatory changes, contributing to improved working conditions, rest periods and security for crew on board in accordance with the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention requirements.
“Deciding to partner with Piriou shipyard to build a modern series vessel has the significant advantage of complying with the rules and regulations of the French flag,” said Saupiquet general manager Patrick Furic.
“This type of vessel is an important asset for the future of Saupiquet. We are reducing the average age of our fleet, composed of four vessels, with a smaller tuna seiner concept which we consider to be the right tool for a voluntary sustainable fishing.”
Via Alizé’s design is for a carrying capacity of 1400m3 in fourteen wells and a 350m3 fuel capacity providing a 55-day endurance, with accommodation for a crew of 23. It will have a 3000kW main engine, with two 800kVa gensets and a 1500kVa shaft generator coupled to the reduction gearbox. Piriou will also supply a speed boat and the 10 metre skiff used for deploying the purse seine as part of the package.
“We are delighted and proud that our customers now include Saupiquet and the Bolton Group,” said Piriou CEO Vincent Faujour.
“This new tuna seiner is a part of a responsible and sustainable approach to fisheries management and also contributes to environmental compliance and crew wellbeing. This is how we continue to support vessel owners in the necessary renewal of their fishing capacity.”
