Simrad has been chosen to supply the 62.6m “Strømegg”, a new build combined pelagic trawler/purse seiner currently in production at Karstensens Skibsværft, Denmark, with a complete electronic high performance fish finding package.
Danish fishing vessel owner, Skagerak Fiskeeksport will replace its original “Strømegg”, which was built in 1975, when the new vessel is delivered July 2007. The fish finding package is similar to the “Cattleya” and “Isafold” vessels, both of which have taken sophisticated Simrad fish finding packages this year.
The equipment supplied has been designed to enhance catch efficiency through the use of sophisticated fish finding techniques for different types of fishing.
Simrad has supplied the following equipment for the “Strømegg”:
• Simrad SP93 Omni sonar
• Simrad SH80 Omni sonar
• Simrad FS70 Trawl sonar
• Simrad SL30 Scanning sonar
• Simrad ES60 Echo sounder
“The reason for this choice is that we consider Simrad to have the best equipment on the market. Also, Simrad has a good organisation to back up service and warranties, and this is a part of the total package,” says “Strømegg” owner Iver Espersen.
Simrad SP93 Omni sonar
The SP93 uses advanced filters that remove reverberations from the surface and bottom, and present a clear sonar image enabling schools to be tracked all the way until they reach the vessel. This feature and the FM modulation of the transmitted pulses, a narrow beam width and a high power output, enables the SP93 to provide a long range scan for herring and sprat fishing in the North Sea. The Simrad SP93 also offers features such as 'real multi frequency' providing 11 operational frequencies between 20 and 30kHz, third generation beam stabilising, and operator selectable beam width.
Simrad SH80 Omni sonar
The Simrad SH80 high frequency sonar is especially suited for mackerel fishing. The sonar's adjustable operational frequency between 110 and 122kHz is carefully chosen to obtain long range and optimum detection. A full 360 degrees omni image is standard, in addition to beam stabilisation. A vertical section is also provided offering information about the school's size and height above the bottom in great detail. With this information, the size of the school can be estimated without actually sailing over it.
Simrad FS70 Trawl sonar
The FS70 offers better performance and flawless operation even under the toughest conditions. New software provides the same user interface as the sonars, as well as a standard built-in echo sounder function. The sonar head is now embedded in an oil-filled dome, which makes water penetration impossible and the new yellow trawl housing is lighter (28kg), more robust, and much easier to handle on deck. The FS70 is integrated with the SP93 sonar, providing trawl depth information.
Simrad ES60 Echosounder
“Strømegg” has chosen a 4kW 38kHz main echo sounder using the extremely efficient ES38B transducer. This frequency is versatile for all kinds of fishery, but especially suited for blue whiting. The second frequency chosen is 120kHz with size distribution. This feature shows the skipper the size of the various species. “Strømegg” also has the Simrad 38/200 Combi Wide transducer with a beam width of 32x32 degrees for finding fish in the upper pelagic layers.
