Kapp Linné launched and ready for operation

Behind the project are shipowner Michael Lockert and Myre Maritim, in close collaboration with Optimar. Early on, they recognised the need to rethink operations in response to reduced quotas, stricter requirements, and a desire for better utilization of vessel and crew.

When a multi-million vessel lies idle for eight months

Lockert and his crew of six, have historically fished their whitefish quota over approximately three winter months. For the rest of the year, the vessel has been laid up. For many, this is a desirable work schedule. For Lockert, however, it was difficult to justify having a vessel worth several million NOK standing idle for large parts of the year.

The solution was to think differently. Not only about equipment, but about the entire operating model.

This is why the former 31-metre Kystfisk has been replaced by Kapp Linné: a 51-metre-long, 12-metre-wide vessel, designed to accommodate new processing equipment and enable a completely different level of operational flexibility.

Read more about Kapp Linné here.

Year-round operation with a single vessel

With Kapp Linné, daily life on board also changes. The plan is to operate on a four-weeks-on, four-weeks-off rotation, fishing whitefish from January 1 to April 1, before transitioning to assignments within the aquaculture industry for the remainder of the year.

Once the whitefish season is over, the vessel is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for aquaculture operations. The fully automated stun and bleed system makes it possible to offer a broader range of services, including service assignments, without extensive rebuilding between seasons.

The result is less downtime, better utilisation of the crew, and increased predictability in operations.

A complete stun & bleed solution

Optimar has delivered a complete stun & bleed solution to Kapp Linné, consisting of:

• Swim-in unit
• Electric stunner
• Gill cutting robot
• advanced camera technology
• distribution to RSW tanks

The vessel is also equipped with a separate conveyor belt for manual slaughter of whitefish species. At the same time, there are high expectations for further testing of the automatic stun and bleed robot on cod. The salmon line is planned to be tested on whitefish in open sea, under real operating conditions with vessel movement.

If this performs as expected, it will represent a significant improvement in both efficiency and fish welfare for whitefish operations as well.

Hygiene that meets requirements in both industries

For one vessel to operate in both fisheries and aquaculture, high hygiene standards are required, particularly from the aquaculture side.

As a result, several million NOK have been invested solely in hygiene measures on board. Cleaning and sanitation processes are automated, and the vessel is built to meet the requirements of both industries, without compromise.

This is a prerequisite for the combined vessel concept to work in practice.

Reduced quotas demand better utilisation

In recent years, fishing quotas have been significantly reduced. When quotas are harvested faster than before, the consequence is often longer periods where the vessel is out of operation.

By combining whitefish and aquaculture operations, Myre Maritim avoids this downtime. Kapp Linné is designed for operation regardless of season.

The sustainability perspective is twofold:

• the vessel features hybrid propulsion
• one vessel can perform work that previously required two

In addition, the installed camera technology provides improved control and documentation throughout the entire production process.

Not everyone needs a newbuild – container solutions provide flexibility

Not everyone is able or willing to invest in a newbuild vessel. This is why Optimar also offers container-based solutions that provide many of the same advantages as a fully combined vessel.

The container solutions:

• are delivered fully equipped in stainless steel
• include lighting, heating and full functionality
• can be lifted on and off the vessel within 1–2 days
• can be placed directly on deck on most vessels

For some, these solutions are used seasonally, for example in aquaculture, and removed when the vessel returns to fishing. This provides high flexibility without permanent modifications to the vessel, while also potentially increasing its resale value.

Full control with the Commander system

By integrating Optimar’s Commander system, the shipowner gains full oversight of production. The system collects data from machines and sensors across the entire processing line.

This data can be used for:

• internal reporting
• reporting to customers
• documentation towards onshore processing facilities
• reporting to authorities

A concept gaining attention

Kapp Linné is the result of close collaboration from the very first sketch to the finished vessel.

At the same time, Optimar is seeing increased interest from shipowners considering:

• newbuilds
• conversions
• container-based solutions

The need for better vessel utilisation is real and growing.

Whether you are considering a newbuild, upgrading an existing vessel, or flexible container solutions, we are happy to have an informal conversation about what could work for you.