The Argentinian factory trawler ‘Centurion del Atlantico’ has been through a major upgrade at Norway’s Westcon Florø shipyard.
Norwegian Ship Design Company was chosen in 2021 by owner Estremar to plan and engineer the modification. Thereafter in 2022 Westcon Florø was chosen for the modification work, where the vessel arrived in July 2023. The vessel is now soon to return to the fishing grounds in the South Atlantic.
The vessel has been equipped with a completely new hybrid propulsion line, including new main engine, two-step hybrid gearbox and propeller (in nozzle). A battery system, power electronics and combined electric propulsion motor/shaft generator enables hybrid drive. Further an economiser in the main engine’s exhaust line has been installed for using waste heat to produce steam, reducing diesel burned for this purpose. Steam is used in the fish factory onboard. The vessel has been equipped with new trawling gear requiring less engine power when trawling.
The upgrade aligns well with Norwegian Ship Design’s commitment to low-emission and zero-emission technology and this upgrade results in a significantly reduced carbon footprint by about 40%.
Norwegian Ship Design echnical Director Arvid Holsen said: “Much of the design work was completed before the contract was signed with the shipyard. Subsequently, we further developed the design and made preparations prior to the vessel’s arrival at the shipyard in Florø. During the conversion period, we have had a very good and close cooperation with both the Owner and the shipyard. We are now working on the final documents for this refit and we wish Centurion del Atlantic a safe voyage back home to the southern hemisphere shortly.”
Image: the upgraded ‘Centurion del Atlantic’ on trials (source: Norwegian Ship Design)
