Zenith BF 106 – Press Release

Zenith BF 106 – Press Release

Aug 10, 2023

Macduff Shipyards Build 701 - 'MFV Zenith'

Macduff Ship Design are pleased to announce the completion of the new build fishing vessel, ‘ZENITH, BF 106’.  The vessel was built by Macduff Shipyards for owner Mark Robertson, along with sons Paul and Adam. This fishing vessel replaces the owner’s previous two fishing vessels, ZEYPHR BF 601 (ex UBEROUS) built by the yard in 2005 and ZENITH BF 106 (ex DAYSTAR) built by the yard in 2008. The vessel is intended to fish out of Fraserburgh in the North East of Scotland, targeting primarily prawns in the North Sea region.

ZENITH is the second vessel in a series of three sister ships, all of which are being built at the yards newly developed Buckie site. The vessel follows on from the CELESTIAL DAWN BF 109 which was handed over in the summer of 2022, and will itself be followed by the third sister ship FOREVER FAITHFUL, now well under construction. All three vessels feature the same hull form and general fishing arrangement; however, each have their own unique internal layout to suit the owners’ preferences.

Designed between the yard and Macduff Ship Design, during the early design phase of the lead vessel the yard commissioned the Wolfson Unit in Southampton to run a case study of two hull forms utilising CFD technology. The first hull form was a design previously built by the yard for a similar type of fishing. The second was the new concept model featuring increased length, a gradual bustle forward of the propeller and a unique stem where the bulbous bow was not fully submerged but rather tapered gradually into the bow’s upper region. Results from the study indicated a significant reduction in hull resistance at the two test speeds of 8 and 10 knots which has now been verified during the first year of service of the sister ship. Another significant difference between designs were an increase in beam from around 7.0 m of earlier vessels in this category up to around 7.6 m. The increase in beam allowed the vessel to carry less internal ballast whilst also creating more deck space which was of particular benefit within the accommodation and fish processing areas. This increase in hull efficiency enables the owner to save fuel, and in turn, reduce the emissions and environmental impact of the vessel.

To further reduce the environmental impact of the ZENITH, the propulsion package was very carefully considered. The vessel features a Novga (previously Heimdal) CPP stern gear package with a 2.3 m diameter controllable pitch propeller, housed within a nozzle, coupled to a large reduction gearbox complete with two PTOs for hydraulic power, driven by a Caterpillar C18 main engine with power output of 600 hp. With one engine driving both propulsion and hydraulics, the engine is kept with an efficient operating window with no significant periods of idling and energy loss.

The C18 main engine on ZENITH was one of the first pair of IMO Tier III certified engines to be fitted by the yard. A SCR and urea/AdBlue system is fitted in the engine room, provided by Xeamos of the Netherlands, which allows the engine to meet the new, more stringent emission standards set by the IMO. Certification of the engine and SCR system was arranged by Finning CAT who assembled the complete system on their test bed in Cannock, with witnessing and certification provided by DNV/GL. The system was proven to work well during sea trials where the 35 dB reduction SCR silencer helped the reduce noise levels throughout the vessel.

The hull of ZENITH is built entirely from steel, apart from the wheelhouse and mast which are aluminium, and features a double chine hull form, transom stern and modern bow designed to cut cleanly through the sea with less energy leading to a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions along with increased crew comfort. In broad terms the layout of the ZENITH is like some of the other recent new builds produced by the yard. Below deck features the cabins, engine room, fish hold and a large freshwater tank forward of the collision bulkhead. Whereas above deck is situated the aft shelter, galley/mess and side passage area, fish processing area winch room.

Particular attention was paid by the owner to the arrangement of the accommodation and fish processing areas onboard. The galley is of considerable size with comfortable living space for the live on-board crew, as is the washrooms, laundry and dry locker spaces. The fishing processing area has been optimised and uses the available space neatly. Care and attention were also placed on positioning of equipment to maximise efficiency to reduce the crews workload. It features conveyor belt to sort the catch in place of a traditional tray which lifts the product out of the hopper and six different prawn washers within arm’s reach of the sorting belt. A flush hold unloading hatch is also fitted in the fish processing area forward which creates a larger floor space which is a benefit at sea when the hatch is not used anyway.

A bespoke hydraulic deck machinery package was fabricated by the yard including of a triple barrel winch featuring a Hagglunds compact CA210 motor, two split net drums complete with two Hagglunds compact CA100 motors per drum, two general purpose gantry winches and a cod end lifting winch. Thistle Marine of Peterhead supplied both the MFB8 landing crane and MBK7 power block crane, both of which featuring a slew ring base. A small hoisting winch is fitted to help the move the catch in the hold when landing.

Primary hydraulic power is provided by two pumps driven from the gearbox PTOS. At the owners request a unique secondary hydraulic system was fitted which features two electric motor driven pump sets, one of 75 kW and the other of 45 kW duty. These two pump sets allow the hydraulics to run very close to full power and speed, providing not only a net retrieve system but full redundancy.

Cooling systems for all engines and hydraulics onboard are served by box coolers supplied by Blokland Non-Ferro.

Electrical power onboard is provided by two Mitsubishi generator sets supplied by Macduff Diesels Limited, each with a rating of 98 kWe and of sufficient size to run the vessels power independently providing complete redundancy.

The electrical systems onboard were designed and fitted by R.D. Downie who also fabricated the vessels switchboard and control panels for all the pumps and motor starters.  In addition to this R.D. Downie also provided the fire, bilge and gas alarm systems onboard along with the navigation light panel and assisted with the installation of the navigation equipment.

The fish processing deck features a catch handling system built by the yard and Northeast Fabricators. A separate compartment is formed within the fish processing area which house both the ice plant room as well as an access hatch and fixed permanent stair to the hold. The fish hold refrigeration system along with ice machine was supplied and fitted by Premier Refrigeration.

The vessel was fully painted by the yard with International products applied to a comprehensive marine spec.

The high specification navigation package was supplied and fitted onboard by Woodsons of Aberdeen.

General Particulars

Length overall: 22.75 m

Length Registered: 21.83 m

Beam: 7.60 m

Depth: 4.15 m

Gross Tonnage: 222 t

Depart port displacement: 310 t

Fresh water capacity: 15,500 li

Oil fuel capacity: 21,000 li

Hold capacity:  600 boxes

Speed: 10.0 knots

Crew: 6-8

List Of Major Suppliers

Construction drawings and stability information supplied by Macduff Ship Design

Caterpillar C18 main engine supplied by Finning Power Systems, UK

Nozzle supplied by Kort Propulsion, UK

Propeller and Gearbox supplied by Novga, Norway

Generator sets supplied by Macduff Diesels Ltd, UK

Box cooling systems for each engine and the hydraulic circuit supplied by Blokland Non Ferro, Netherlands

Pumps supplied by Azcue Pumps SA, Spain

Deck machinery equipment supplied by the yard

Deck cranes supplied by Thistle Marine, UK

Fire doors supplied by B-15 Marine Ltd, UK

Weathertight doors supplied by Winel, Netherlands

Rudder system supplied by the yard

Steering gear supplied by Scan Steering APS, Denmark

Wheelhouse windows and portlights supplied by HK Van Wingerden & An BV, Netherlands

Fish handling system supplied by the North East Fabricators, UK

Refrigeration system and ice machine supplied by Premier Refrigeration, UK

Paint system by International, UK

Wheelhouse chairs supplied by Norsap, UK

Oil fuel filter/separator and main engine oil fine filter supplied by CC Jensen, UK

Pressure washers supplied by Grampian Power Clean, UK

Anchors and chain supplied by Fendercare Marine, UK

Switchboard and electrical system supplied and installed by R D Downie Limited, UK

 

 

MFV ‘ZENITH’ – PRESS RELEASE

 

Macduff Ship Design are pleased to announce the completion of the new build fishing vessel, ‘ZENITH, BF 106’.  The vessel was built by Macduff Shipyards for owner Mark Robertson, along with sons Paul and Adam. This fishing vessel replaces the owner’s previous two fishing vessels, ZEYPHR BF 601 (ex UBEROUS) built by the yard in 2005 and ZENITH BF 106 (ex DAYSTAR) built by the yard in 2008. The vessel is intended to fish out of Fraserburgh in the North East of Scotland, targeting primarily prawns in the North Sea region.

ZENITH is the second vessel in a series of three sister ships, all of which are being built at the yards newly developed Buckie site. The vessel follows on from the CELESTIAL DAWN BF 109 which was handed over in the summer of 2022, and will itself be followed by the third sister ship FOREVER FAITHFUL, now well under construction. All three vessels feature the same hull form and general fishing arrangement; however, each have their own unique internal layout to suit the owners’ preferences.

Designed between the yard and Macduff Ship Design, during the early design phase of the lead vessel the yard commissioned the Wolfson Unit in Southampton to run a case study of two hull forms utilising CFD technology. The first hull form was a design previously built by the yard for a similar type of fishing. The second was the new concept model featuring increased length, a gradual bustle forward of the propeller and a unique stem where the bulbous bow was not fully submerged but rather tapered gradually into the bow’s upper region. Results from the study indicated a significant reduction in hull resistance at the two test speeds of 8 and 10 knots which has now been verified during the first year of service of the sister ship. Another significant difference between designs were an increase in beam from around 7.0 m of earlier vessels in this category up to around 7.6 m. The increase in beam allowed the vessel to carry less internal ballast whilst also creating more deck space which was of particular benefit within the accommodation and fish processing areas. This increase in hull efficiency enables the owner to save fuel, and in turn, reduce the emissions and environmental impact of the vessel.

To further reduce the environmental impact of the ZENITH, the propulsion package was very carefully considered. The vessel features a Novga (previously Heimdal) CPP stern gear package with a 2.3 m diameter controllable pitch propeller, housed within a nozzle, coupled to a large reduction gearbox complete with two PTOs for hydraulic power, driven by a Caterpillar C18 main engine with power output of 600 hp. With one engine driving both propulsion and hydraulics, the engine is kept with an efficient operating window with no significant periods of idling and energy loss.

The C18 main engine on ZENITH was one of the first pair of IMO Tier III certified engines to be fitted by the yard. A SCR and urea/AdBlue system is fitted in the engine room, provided by Xeamos of the Netherlands, which allows the engine to meet the new, more stringent emission standards set by the IMO. Certification of the engine and SCR system was arranged by Finning CAT who assembled the complete system on their test bed in Cannock, with witnessing and certification provided by DNV/GL. The system was proven to work well during sea trials where the 35 dB reduction SCR silencer helped the reduce noise levels throughout the vessel.

The hull of ZENITH is built entirely from steel, apart from the wheelhouse and mast which are aluminium, and features a double chine hull form, transom stern and modern bow designed to cut cleanly through the sea with less energy leading to a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions along with increased crew comfort. In broad terms the layout of the ZENITH is like some of the other recent new builds produced by the yard. Below deck features the cabins, engine room, fish hold and a large freshwater tank forward of the collision bulkhead. Whereas above deck is situated the aft shelter, galley/mess and side passage area, fish processing area winch room.

Particular attention was paid by the owner to the arrangement of the accommodation and fish processing areas onboard. The galley is of considerable size with comfortable living space for the live on-board crew, as is the washrooms, laundry and dry locker spaces. The fishing processing area has been optimised and uses the available space neatly. Care and attention were also placed on positioning of equipment to maximise efficiency to reduce the crews workload. It features conveyor belt to sort the catch in place of a traditional tray which lifts the product out of the hopper and six different prawn washers within arm’s reach of the sorting belt. A flush hold unloading hatch is also fitted in the fish processing area forward which creates a larger floor space which is a benefit at sea when the hatch is not used anyway.

A bespoke hydraulic deck machinery package was fabricated by the yard including of a triple barrel winch featuring a Hagglunds compact CA210 motor, two split net drums complete with two Hagglunds compact CA100 motors per drum, two general purpose gantry winches and a cod end lifting winch. Thistle Marine of Peterhead supplied both the MFB8 landing crane and MBK7 power block crane, both of which featuring a slew ring base. A small hoisting winch is fitted to help the move the catch in the hold when landing.

Primary hydraulic power is provided by two pumps driven from the gearbox PTOS. At the owners request a unique secondary hydraulic system was fitted which features two electric motor driven pump sets, one of 75 kW and the other of 45 kW duty. These two pump sets allow the hydraulics to run very close to full power and speed, providing not only a net retrieve system but full redundancy.

Cooling systems for all engines and hydraulics onboard are served by box coolers supplied by Blokland Non-Ferro.

Electrical power onboard is provided by two Mitsubishi generator sets supplied by Macduff Diesels Limited, each with a rating of 98 kWe and of sufficient size to run the vessels power independently providing complete redundancy.

The electrical systems onboard were designed and fitted by R.D. Downie who also fabricated the vessels switchboard and control panels for all the pumps and motor starters.  In addition to this R.D. Downie also provided the fire, bilge and gas alarm systems onboard along with the navigation light panel and assisted with the installation of the navigation equipment.

 

The fish processing deck features a catch handling system built by the yard and Northeast Fabricators. A separate compartment is formed within the fish processing area which house both the ice plant room as well as an access hatch and fixed permanent stair to the hold. The fish hold refrigeration system along with ice machine was supplied and fitted by Premier Refrigeration.

The vessel was fully painted by the yard with International products applied to a comprehensive marine spec.

The high specification navigation package was supplied and fitted onboard by Woodsons of Aberdeen.

 

GENERAL PARTICULARS

Length overall: 22.75 m

Length Registered: 21.83 m

Beam: 7.60 m

Depth: 4.15 m

Gross Tonnage: 222 t

Depart port displacement: 310 t

Fresh water capacity: 15,500 li

Oil fuel capacity: 21,000 li

Hold capacity:  600 boxes

Speed: 10.0 knots

Crew: 6-8

 

LIST OF MAJOR SUPPLIERS

Construction drawings and stability information supplied by Macduff Ship Design

Caterpillar C18 main engine supplied by Finning Power Systems, UK

Nozzle supplied by Kort Propulsion, UK

Propeller and Gearbox supplied by Novga, Norway

Generator sets supplied by Macduff Diesels Ltd, UK

Box cooling systems for each engine and the hydraulic circuit supplied by Blokland Non Ferro, Netherlands

Pumps supplied by Azcue Pumps SA, Spain

Deck machinery equipment supplied by the yard

Deck cranes supplied by Thistle Marine, UK

Fire doors supplied by B-15 Marine Ltd, UK

Weathertight doors supplied by Winel, Netherlands

Rudder system supplied by the yard

Steering gear supplied by Scan Steering APS, Denmark

Wheelhouse windows and portlights supplied by HK Van Wingerden & An BV, Netherlands

Fish handling system supplied by the North East Fabricators, UK

Refrigeration system and ice machine supplied by Premier Refrigeration, UK

Paint system by International, UK

Wheelhouse chairs supplied by Norsap, UK

Oil fuel filter/separator and main engine oil fine filter supplied by CC Jensen, UK

Pressure washers supplied by Grampian Power Clean, UK

Anchors and chain supplied by Fendercare Marine, UK

Switchboard and electrical system supplied and installed by R D Downie Limited, UK

 

Turas A ‘Bhradain – Press Release

Turas A ‘Bhradain – Press Release

Jul 26, 2023

Macduff Shipyards Build 703 - ‘Turas A 'Bhradain’ for Bakkafrost Scotland

Macduff Ship Design is pleased to announce that the 24m Workboat, ‘Turas A Bhradain’, has been delivered to its owners Bakkafrost Scotland.  The vessel was completed by Macduff Shipyards at their yard in the Aberdeenshire and is the first of two near identical bespoke vessels being built by the yard for the business.  ‘Turas A Bhradain’ is designed as a multirole workboat with large open working deck with offset port casing for improved Starboard side access and a large forward ramp.  The layout will allow for the vessel to complete a wide range of tasks from general cargo duties through to specific aquaculture services.

The Turas a ‘Bhradain will operate across Bakkafrost Scotland’s sites on the west coast and Hebrides and has been delivered following a year-long construction period which followed a detailed design process involving the owners and operational staff, the shipyard and Macduff Ship Design.  ‘Turas a ‘Bhradain’ is constructed entirely from steel to a hard-chine, landing craft, hull form.  The final touches were completed on the vessel in July 2023 followed by final trials and delivery.  The design was a development of the highly successful ‘Helen Rice’ and ‘Geraldine Mary’ workboats designed by Macduff Ship Design.

Initially the Turas a ’Bhradain will be operate alongside Bakkafrost Scotland’s wellboats Ronja Star and Ronja Fisk, playing a key role in fish health by preparing the pens for the wellboats to carry out freshwater treatments.

The workboat is equipped with an array of equipment to allow it to operate in a range of different roles.  The main propulsion is provided by twin tier III compliant Doosan 4l 126 CAKH engines delivering 373 Kw @ 2000 rpm.  On deck there are 2 Marine Cranes to starboard both supplied by HS Marine – 1 x AK61 4E and 1 x AK30 HE3.  The engines drive 2 x 1500mm propellers supplied by Teignbridge propulsion.  These are fitted in nozzles to give excellent levels of bollard pull and there is also a stern thruster, both of which were supplied by Kort Propulsion, which when combined with the twin screw set up gives excellent low speed manoeuvrability for operations in and around the fish farm cages.

The hydraulic package also comprises 3 capstans all arranged to starboard, an Anchor windlass, hydraulic rams for operation of the bow ramp and a tow winch situated on the centre line.  Due to the offset position of the casing the winch can work both aft over a stern roller or forward over a narrow roller built into the bow ramp.

The Vessel complements its extensive deck machinery package with an impressive cargo carrying capability for a vessel of this size, being able to carry, a maximum capacity of 125 T of deck cargo and has deck fittings for 3 x 20 foot ISO containers.

General Particulars

Length OA: 24.0 metres

Breadth: 9.0m

Depth: 3.1m

Maximum draft: 2.25 m

Fuel Capacity: 14,000 litres

Fresh Water Capacity: 5,000 litres

Deck Cargo capacity: 125 tonnes

The vessel has two cranes: HS Marine AK 61 4E and AK30 HE3

Main engines: 2 x Doosan 4L 126 CAKH – 373 KW @ 2000 RPM Tier III

Green Zero Emission Tugs

Green Zero Emission Tugs

Jun 19, 2023

Zero Emissions Collaboration With Harland & Wolff

Harland & Wolff has joined forces with Macduff Ship Design, Kongsberg Maritime and Echandia, to create a UK consortium with a common vision to develop and build a zero emissions harbour and coastal tug.

The nature of the UK’s topography and infrastructure means that transporting large fabricated structures, components or raw materials by road is difficult. It adds significant pressure on the road network, as well as increasing the carbon footprint dramatically.

Creating environmentally-friendly tugs and a class of ultra-efficient large barges to service the UK’s Marine Coastal Highway would not only ease pressure on the nation’s roads and reduce emissions, but also help with the Levelling Up and Net Zero ambitions. Having the ability to efficiently move large loads on the Marine Coastal Highway would create greater opportunities for shipbuilding as well as fabrication of structures for offshore wind developments across the entire country, helping spread work beyond the industry’s existing focus on the central belt of Scotland and supporting the UK’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Two tugs are planned in the initial order, and each will be 25.5m long, have a breadth of 12m, and a draught of 4.85m along with an impressive bollard pull for its size at 50 tonnes. The vessels are expected to have Azimuth stern drives and a series of modular battery banks. Two barges are initially planned, one measuring 90m by 30m, and the second 50m by 15m.

Together, the consortium plans to utilise technology transfer to develop and build the vessels using a 100% UK supply chain.
Harland & Wolff will act as project lead and builders, Macduff as designers, Kongsberg for propulsion and vessel control systems, and Echandia as battery and electrical control systems specialists. This consortium has been created to bring the very best technologies and skills required to deliver this pioneering green design.

The consortium will utilise innovative design combined with proven battery and propulsion technologies with the aim to deliver a zero-emissions vessel that will utilise electric propulsion from stored battery power for day-to-day operations, backed up by generators driven by biofuel for exceptional operations or when shore charging support is unavailable.

Although initially intended to move loads between Harland & Wolff’s yards, barges which are not full could transport freight for other clients, further easing traffic congestion on the road network. The consortium believes a significant number of similar vessels of smaller and larger designs and capabilities that will be required in the coming decade. Additionally, the technologies deployed are scalable to enter into the Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV) and Service Operation vehicles (SOV) markets in due course.

There is widespread agreement that a strong export market exists for these tugs and the consortium will work closely with the Department for Business and Trade in future to exploit export opportunities, benefiting UK jobs and economic growth.

We are pleased that our company commitment to drive towards net zero solutions for the maritime industry has been recognised by Harland and Wolff. We have been working on various initiatives to move towards net zero and this collaboration signals a major milestone in this. We are delighted to be working with Harland and Wolff, Kongsberg and Echandia on this project and look forward to developing the project through to completion.

Ian Ellis

Managing Director, Macduff Ship Design

As part of our ongoing commitment to fully embrace the UK National Shipbuilding Office’s aims and in our drive to Net Zero, we are pleased to have put together this consortium.

These will be the first vessels of this type to be designed and constructed in the UK and will go on to provide firm foundations for the build of various vessels requiring this type of technology in the future. We are delighted by the initial feedback that we have received from potential clients and look forward to seeing these vessels come to life in our shipyards.

John Wood

Group Chief Executive Officer, Harland & Wolff

Innovations such as this are crucial to us realising our decarbonisation ambitions for shipbuilding. This is an exciting project closely aligned to the vision for UK shipbuilding we set out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh. Bringing together companies from across the shipbuilding enterprise, this consortium is demonstrating how collaboration can harness its competitive edge in the growing low emissions market.

Rear Admiral Rex Cox

CEO, National Shipbuilding Office

Copious LK985 – Press Release

Copious LK985 – Press Release

Mar 28, 2023

MFV ‘COPIOUS’ LK 985 – 24.9m Demersal Trawler for 60 North Fishing

Macduff Ship Design are pleased to announce the completion and handover of MFV ‘Copious’ LK 985, a new 24.9 m fishing vessel for 60 North Fishing company of Shetland.  The vessel is the first of a pair of sister vessels for the company and was built in Croatia by Tehnomont shipyard to a full design package supplied by Macduff Ship Design.  The vessel completed her delivery trip to Shetland, through the Mediterranean, up the west coast of Portugal, Spain and Ireland, arriving in Shetland on the morning of the 14th January just in time for the islands fire festival Up Helly Aa.  The second vessel to be named ‘Prolific’ is set to be delivered later in the year.

Macduff Ship design were first contacted by Mark Anderson, who heads 60 North Fishing with partners, Andrew White, Ryan Arthur and fish selling agent LHD, 5 years ago to develop a bespoke new design. Mark had a clear idea of what he wanted the vessel to achieve and some of the key design factors that needed to be considered. In close co-operation with Mark a General Arrangement plan and Specification were produced. These were sent to a number of yards for a tendering process. Macduff Ship Design assisted Mark and his 60 North Fishing partners during this process through to final yard selection.

Once Tehnomont Shipyard were selected as builder in 2020, Macduff Ship Design set about developing hull form, detailed construction and outfitting plans. One of the first key decisions was sizing the propeller. Larger CP propellers can have notable efficiency savings hence the largest propeller that could fit was to be selected. The aft end of the hull was developed to ensure this was possible with a 3.0m Finnoy propeller chosen. This was fitted inside a Kort nozzle with triple rudder arrangement for improved manoeuvrability.

In recent years Macduff Ship Design have been involved in tank and CFD testing of several vessels, and have developed an advanced understanding on how the hull form can influence both vessel resistance and seakeeping. This knowledge was applied to the hull of the Copious to ensure the crew would have a vessel that could handle the unpredictable and often times rough seas in their fishing area but would also have optimum efficiency to minimise fuel consumption.

The amount of, and layout of, deck machinery, fishing gear and fish processing equipment was of high importance to Mark. The vessel needed to readily be able to swap between single net trawling, twin rigging and pair trawling with all equipment needed for these three operations to be carried onboard. The arrangement of the deck machinery was developed collaboratively with Mark, with a number of innovative ideas integrated into the design. This was both to improve the safety, and efficiency of the vessels fishing operations.

Catch quality and value was a high priority on the vessel and although designed with the ability for 10 day trips it is expected that the vessel is likely to focus on shorter trips.  In order to maximise the quality of the landed fish there has been a high importance placed on the way the fish is handled once caught, with care taken in the design of all of the systems, with particular attention being paid to the processing equipment supplied by JJ measuring systems.  Once the fish is landed through the aft cod end hatch into the hopper it is immediately cooled with a water spraying and slush ice system.  After passing through the gutting area the fish are sorted into one of two 6 compartment cylindrical, selector/coolers supplied by Danish firm Carsoe to a design from Jim Johnson of JJ measuring systems.  Each segment can be emptied individually in any order to suit the optimal fish cooling. Once cooled the fish are transported by conveyor to the fish access hatch and into the hold to a portable table with 4 workstations.  The fish are graded, weighed and boxed with freshwater and flake ice before being stored in the 1100 box capacity hold.  The hold also contains 2 x 2.5 T capacity Buus slush ice tanks which work in conjunction with the 2 x 4.5 T per day ice machines on main deck.  The water for the system is supplied from the onboard fresh water tanks and a 2 T per day Alfa Laval freshwater desalinator fitted in the engine room.

The vessel is fitted with a Mitsubishi V12 S12R main engine rated 588Kw at 1400rpm and this is coupled to a Finnoy FK50 11.3:1 gearbox.  This drives a Finnoy 3000mm diameter controllable pitch propeller fitted in a nozzle supplied by Kort Propulsion.  The vessel is fitted with a triple rudder and bow thruster also supplied by Kort propulsion, which give the vessel excellent manoeuvrability for fishing day to day operations.

The deck machinery package supplied by Rapp MacGregor is driven by 3 hydraulic pumps driven from power take offs on the Finnoy gearbox and electric towing pumps.  The fishing equipment consists of 3 x 14 T trawl winches arranged under the focsle forward.  They can carry 1100 fathoms of 22mm wire but are set up with 700 fathoms of Brunton Shaw warps supplied by LHD.  The winches are linked to a scantrol autotrawl system with a 3-speed arrangement of 100%, 80% and 60%.  Aft of the wheelhouse are three 20 T split net drums which are also linked to the scantrol system.  Rapp Macgregor also supplied a pair of hinged pins which are arranged just forward of the stern openings and can be raised or lowered remotely, depending on the fishing method and nets being used.

The winches tow a pair of Thyboron type 32 semi pelagic trawl doors and 2 T roller clump.  The gear is monitored by a Marport system with sensors on the trawl doors and clump measuring depth, height, distance, pitch and roll with a further sounder measuring the distance each door is off the seabed.  There are a further 2 symmetry sensors mounted on the headline of the net.  Nordso Trawl supplied the twin rig nets along with a single net and high lift pair trawl net with Scot trawl supplying the codends and extensions and Jackson Trawl the combi line sweeplines.

The crew accommodation is arranged entirely on the main deck and comprises a changing area with deck WC and shower forward to port accessible from the processing area.  Once into the main living quarters 2 x 4 berth cabins, 2 x 2 berth cabins and WC facilities are positioned from midships forward.  Aft of the cabins there is a dedicated lounge area and then a combined galley mess.

The wheelhouse is arranged with a forward control area and an aft raised control area for fishing operations.  H Williamson and Sons supplied the wheelhouse electronics detailed below.

Navigation

Sodena Turbowin x 2

Olex with ground discrimination module

TimeZero plotter with DRS12A-NXT radar module and Wassp F3i 160 sounder

Furuno FR2228 radar

Furuno GP-39 GPS

Furuno SCX-21 satellite compass

Rayethon STD 22 gyro compass

Furuno FA-170 AIS

Navitron NT921G autopilot

Furuno RD33 heading repeater

Furuno BR-500 bridge watch alarm system

Communications

Sailor 6222 DSC VHF

Sailor 6248 VHF

ENTEL HT649 handheld VHF

Turbosailor VSAT

Furuno Felcom 18 Sat-C

Furuno NX700B Navtex

Fishfinding

Simrad ES80

Furuno FCV1900G BB

Marport gear sensor system

Miscellaneous

Jotron Phontec 3101

Superlive Plus CCTV

Jotron TRON 60 GPS

Awards 2022

Awards 2022

Mar 22, 2023

Awards Season 2022

Macduff Ship Design are pleased to announce that we have been awarded ‘BEST MEDIUM FISH FARM SUPPORT VESSEL’ for the GERALDINE MARY and ‘BEST MEDIUM TRAWLER’ for the CELESTIAL DAWN in Workboat Worlds 2022 awards organised by Work Boat World – Baird Maritime and Fishing Boat World – Baird Maritime
This comes in the same week that VENTURE IV is featured in ‘Significant Small Ships of 2022’, an annual publication by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.
It is very pleasing for the company that our design’s have been well received and recognised not only by our customers but also by the wider industry. All three of these vessels were built in cooperation with Macduff Shipyards.
Links:
Venture IV – Press Release

Venture IV – Press Release

Jan 24, 2023

‘VENTURE IV’ – PRESS RELEASE – 24.01.2023

Macduff Ship Design are delighted to announce the completion and delivery of the, ‘VENTURE IV’, to Mark Lovie of the Venture II Fishing Company Limited.

The vessel is the fourth boat built by Macduff Shipyards for the owner and skipper Mark Lovie. The first ‘VENTURE’ was built by the yard in 1993 as the ‘ENDEAVOUR II’ and was a wooden hull fishing vessel. ‘VENTURE II’ was built by the yard in 2001, this time of steel hull construction and was the largest vessel built by the yard to that date. ‘VENTURE III’ followed suit, handed over in 2017, again being the largest vessel built by the yard at the time. And finally, ‘VENTURE IV’ continues the trend, carrying the distinction of being the largest vessel ever delivered by the yard, both in terms of physical size and gross tonnage.

The project began early in 2020 when the owner expressed an interest to build a new fishing vessel to replace the existing <24m registered vessel. Improving on the fuel efficiency, speed, sea keeping, and crew comfort. Based on their recent experience it was known that to meet these goals that a longer ship would likely be required, free from the constraints of registered length and gross tonnage. As well as increased length, it was decided that it would be advantageous to study the performance of various bow designs in relation to speed and sea keeping, to enable the hull to be optimised to its full potential. At this time we worked closely with Macduff Shipyards and the Wolfson unit at Southampton University. The Wolfson Unit suggested that a program of tank testing be carried out, comparing two hulls of similar overall length. The first featuring a conventional hull with bulbous bow and flared stem, and the second featuring a hybrid bow with an inverted bow for the majority of the stem but still retaining a small flared portion at the top to keep the fore deck dry. Following from this, two scale models were manufactured and then trialled in the Solent University Towing Tank at a range of different speeds, in both calm water and simulated waves representative of the areas which the owner operates. The results from the trial showed a decrease in hull resistance in calm water, mainly due to the increase in waterline length of the new bow. However, more notably the modern bow should a significant reduction in both resistance and motion when being towed into a head sea with waves, particular at higher speeds above 8 knots.

With the research complete the yard and Macduff Ship Design began on the design work, with the hull lines finalised, faired and stability assessed by Macduff Ship Design the construction plans were then drawn up and submitted to Bureau Veritas classification for approval along with the outfitting and engineering drawings. These were then supplied to Finomar Shipyard based in Szczecin, Poland who were sub-contracted to fabricate the hull and wheelhouse which upon completion was towed to Macduff in the late summer of 2021. The full outfitting was completed in Macduff to MCA and BV regulations with the vessel departing Macduff just over a year after arriving to go to Fraserburgh where it docked for a final paint. Sea and fishing trials were conducted in the Moray Firth before the vessel was signed over to the new owners just before Christmas 2022 with enough time for two short maiden trips, fishing off the west coast of Scotland. Early indications are that the hull is performing as anticipated with increased speed, reduced fuel consumption, and improved sea keeping evident.

The hull is of round bilge form with a streamlined inverted bow, flared upper stem, beam carried full length to the transom and possesses two complete decks, as well as a partial shelter and bridge deck above this. A ballast box keel is fitted along with deep ‘V’ bilge keels to dampen roll motion.

‘VENTURE IV’ features four deck levels which apart from the bridge deck all run the full length of the ship. The arrangement of the ship is based closely on the successful predecessors, ‘ENDEAVOUR IV’, ‘VENTURE III’, ‘ENDEAVOUR V’, which have proven themselves over the years. The longer vessel makes use of the additional space to increase crew comfort and working areas, with large generous cabins and mess areas provided along with a fish hold which can comfortably carry 2000 fish boxes without the need to stack high.

Below main deck is separated into four compartments: aft peak, engine room, fish hold and fore peak.

The aft peak features numerous tanks used to house both fresh water and ships services such a lubrication and hydraulic oil.

Forward of this the engine room houses the main propulsion machinery which is provided by a YANMAR 6EY26W engine rated at 1110 kW at 750 rpm coupled to a free-standing Mekanord 650HS gearbox with a reduction ratio of 5.44:1 which drives the large 3.3 m diameter controllable pitch propeller. A low drag high thrust nozzle is fitted in way of the propeller and incorporates a triple rudder system to provide high turning force. Two YANMAR 6NY16L generator sets are fitted within the engine room, each delivering 280 ekW of power. The main engine and generators are cooled via freshwater plate coolers. The hydraulic towing pumps along with stern thruster are also fitted withing the engine room along with the main electrical switchboard, refrigeration and the ships pumping systems.

A large fish room is fitted forward of the engine room with capacity for up to 2,000 stacking fish boxes. Refrigeration plant and chilling pipes for the fish hold was provided and fitted by Premier Refrigeration along with two 2.5 t Geneglace ice making machines, each feeding into large ice lockers which can house up to 10 t of flake ice.

At the stem of the vessel the fore peak is divided into four compartments with three large freshwater tanks which are used for ice making along with a bow thruster access compartment on the centreline where grey and black water tanks are situated.

Above the main deck the vessel is generally divided along the centreline with working areas to port and accommodation to starboard.  To the port side there is a steering gear compartment combined with engineer’s workshop aft, fish handling area amidships and dry locker forward. To the starboard side there is a laundry/pantry/galley aft, followed by a large mess/lounge amidships and four two-man cabins forward. A large 20 m3 hopper is fitted on the centreline.

A deck up features the trawl deck where most of the deck machinery is fitted, and fishing takes place. The deck features twin ramps aft with hydraulic stern gates fitted to the top of each ramp for crew protection. Forward of these are two flush mounted hopper hatches where the catch is taken onboard. The deck is then open all the way to the stem where three split sweep winches are fitted to allow maximum deck length for storing and mending nets. Fitted amidships immediately above the net tracks are three separate bagging winches. Three split winches are fitted amidships, two to starboard and the third to port and lead directly aft to large trawl blocks which are capable of sliding forward up to 1.2m from the transom to reduce the pressure on the steering gear when towing an edge in deep water. Numerous casings are fitted either side of the tracks and serve various functions such as a gear store, air handling unit room, two-man cabin and unloading trunk.

The shelter deck runs from stern to stem. Aft it is mainly open and provides a walkway around the perimeter of the vessel as well as shelter for those working on the trawl deck. Amidships features a full breadth casing where a skipper’s cabin with en-suite is fitted, along with two two-man cabins, a general WC and electronics room. Forward is arranged for mooring and anchoring and features a three-barrel winch fitted within a weathertight compartment which is used to stow the two anchor warps along with a spare barrel for mooring rope.

At bridge deck level a large wheelhouse is situated which is nearly the full breadth of the vessel to provide great visibility when manoeuvring in restricted areas. Large windows are fitted all around for good visibility with full height windows fitted aft on the centreline, providing a commanding view of the trawl deck to enhance crew safety.

 

 

 

OWNER

Owner: Venture II Fishing Company, UK

Agent: Don Fishing Ltd, UK

Insurer: Sunderland Marine, UK

 

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Length overall: 34.50 m

Length Registered: 32.65 m

Beam: 10.50 m

Depth: 4.90 m (main deck), 7.25 m (trawl deck)

Fresh water capacity: 50,500 li

Technical water: 18,200 li

Oil fuel capacity: 95,300 li

Hydraulic oil: 3,000 li (main tank), 1,500 li (spare tank)

Lube oil: 1,500 li

Hold capacity:  2200 stacking boxes

Ice: 10 t in lockers

Speed: 13.0 knots at 100% MCR during trials

Crew: 12 persons certified

 

 

 

LIST OF SUPPLIERS

Builder, Macduff Shipyards Ltd

Design by Yard & Macduff Ship Design Ltd, UK

Research and development by Wolfson Unit MTIA, UK

Construction and stability information by Macduff Ship Design, UK

Hull fabrication by Finomar Shipyard, Poland

Classification by Bureau Veritas

YANMAR 6EY26W main engine supplied by Trevor McDonald (Marine Engine Services) Ltd, UK & Yanmar Europe

YANMAR 6NY16L generator sets supplied by Trevor McDonald (Marine Engine Services) Ltd, UK & Yanmar Europe

Mekanord 650HS, 5.44:1 reduction gearbox supplied by MEProduction, Denmark

3.3 m CP propeller & stern gear supplied by Kumera Helseth, Norway

3.3 m nozzle and triple rudder supplied by Kort Propulsion, UK

MT5000 steering gear by Scan Steering AS, Denmark

Noris engine control and alarm system supplied by Trevor McDonald (MES) Ltd, UK

Switchboard and installation of ships electrical systems provide by R.D. Downie Ltd, UK

Electrical system design and special assistance provided by NU Design Ltd, UK

KT300H bow and stern thrusters supplied by Kort Propulsion, UK

Plate coolers supplied by Blokland, Holland

The extensive deck machinery package was supplied by MacGregor who also designed the hydraulic system. The packages comprises of:

  • 3 off 30 t trawl winches, each with capacity of 2250 m of 26 mm diameter wire
  • 3 off 20 t sweep winches
  • 3 of 12 t bagging winches
  • 2 x 10 t cod end winches
  • 2 x 13 t gilson winches
  • 2 x 6 t gear handing winches aft
  • 3 x 3 t gear handling winch forward
  • 1 x 3 t fishroom winch
  • 1 x triple barrel anchor and mooring winch
  • Pentagon autotrawl system
  • 3m telescopic boom landing crane with 2.3 t winch

Fishroom refrigeration & ice machines supplied by Premier Refrigeration, UK

Fish handling system supplied by the yard.

Air handling unit supplied by Air Handling Equipment Ltd, UK

Anchors & chains supplied by Fendercare, UK

Windows and portlights supply by H.K. Van Wingerden & ZN.B. V, Holland

Weathertight ships doors supplied by Winel, Holland

Ships side valves supplied by Meson, Sweden

Oily water separator supplied by Goltens UK Ltd, UK

Bilge, Ballast, Deckwash, Fire pumps supplied by Bombas Azcue, Spain

Fire doors and panels supplied by Promat UK Ltd, UK

Fire fighting and LSA supplied by Blue Anchor Fire & Safety, UK & Marine Fire Safety, UK

MOB rescue sling supplied by Quick Sling, UK

Paint and coatings supplied by PPG, UK

 

ELECTRONICS PACKAGE

Supplied by:

Woodsons of Aberdeen, UK

Furuno, UK

Scanmar, UK

See owner/suppliers for full specification.

 

FISHING GEAR

Nets, trawl warp and rigging supplied by Jackson Trawl, UK

Clump supplied by Thyboron, Denmark

Trawl doors supplied by Vonin Storm, Faroe Islands

 

Images courtesy of Steven Gourley Media & Ullapool Harbour & Macduff Shipyards.