Bakkafrost Scotland takes delivery of the largest well boat in the Scottish aquaculture industry
Reception in Stornoway welcomes 87-metre Ronja Star which boasts world leading sustainability technology
The largest well boat fish farming vessel in Scottish aquaculture – the Ronja Star - has been added to the Bakkafrost Scotland fleet.
The hybrid vessel, commissioned from the world’s leading well boat operator Solvtrans in Norway, boasts world-leading technology with a FLS sea-lice removal system and freshwater treatment. It uses a reverse osmosis system for de-salination of water producing freshwater to improve gill health and remove sea lice.
It has been specifically built to handle fish with care, while increasing biosecurity in line with Bakkafrost Scotland’s sustainability strategy, which will see an increase in the use of freshwater treatments across its marine sites on the West Coast of Scotland.
Bakkafrost Scotland senior management, Angus Brendan MacNeil MP and Alasdair Allan MSP, as well as local government representatives officially ‘welcomed’ the Ronja Star at a reception in Stornoway on Friday 18 November.
The vessel has state of the art life support systems, which includes high-capacity oxygen production, a carbon dioxide removal system, and a water-cooling system to ensure the fish are kept in optimal condition during treatment. In addition, it has an automatic cleaning system, alongside sensors and cameras to monitor fish and water quality.
The Ronja Star is fitted with diesel electric propulsion and a battery hybrid solution which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, all while generating less noise.
Ian Laister, Managing Director at Bakkafrost Scotland said,
“Our ambition is to become the leading most sustainable salmon producer in Scotland. The proactive management of the health and welfare of our salmon is at the forefront of our sustainability strategy.
“The arrival of the hybrid Ronja Star reflects and enhances those ambitions. The investment in this vessel will allow us to substantially increase the use of freshwater treatments for gill health, and when required, remove sea lice in a single treatment. This will improve fish health and biological performance.”
The Ronja Star was commissioned from the world’s leading well boat operator Solvtrans and boasts industry leading sustainability driven technology.
It has been specifically built to handle fish with care, while increasing biosecurity in line with Bakkafrost Scotland’s sustainability strategy.
The Ronja Star is the latest example of Bakkafrost Scotland’s already strong and long-standing relationship with Solvtrans, which stretches back over many years.