VARD and Rosund Drift to deliver next-generation sustainable stern trawler

The vessel is based on VARD’s proven VARD 8 02 design, developed to meet the evolving needs of modern, responsible fisheries. Combining advanced technology with operational efficiency, the new trawler is optimised for both semi-pelagic and bottom-trawling operations, ensuring gentle fish handling, high product quality, and reduced environmental impact.

Designed for performance, efficiency and sustainability

With a strong focus on maximizing catch value while minimizing environmental footprint, the vessel will feature:

• Highly efficient hybrid propulsion and energy systems to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
• Flexible storage for both refrigerated and frozen cargo, alongside ensilage tanks for processing of biomass ashore, further maximizing resource utilization and profit and a shrimp processing plant with steaming
  
  

The new vessel will have a length of 80,4 meters and a beam of 16,7 meters. The hull is ice strengthened according to Ice-1A. The stern trawler features an advanced H/G (headless and gutted) processing factory.

The modern living quarters have been developed with a high focus on crew welfare with architect-designed public spaces, day and mess rooms, a gym and 25 single cabins with low noise and an appealing interior.

Strengthening local value creation

The new vessel will be an addition to Rosund Drift’s current trawler “Atlantic Star” and represents a significant investment in future-ready operations.

Rosund Drift is a Norwegian fishing company based in Aalesund on the west coast of Norway. The company is a part of a fishing consortium with long traditions in deep sea fishing and is the owner of two fishing companies; Rosund Drift and Nordfjord Havfiske.

For VARD, a subsidiary of one global leading shipbuilder group Fincantieri, the contract further underlines its strong position within advanced fishing vessels and its close relationships with Norwegian owners. With the support, strength and competence of the Fincantieri group, VARD enhances the focus on innovation, new technology and green transition.

“We are delighted to welcome Rosund Drift AS as a customer to VARD. The VARD 8 02 design has proven highly successful in the market, and this project will further enhance its capabilities to meet future industry demands. I want to credit Rosund Drift AS for seeing the opportunities in a challenging market”, says Roger Sandnes, SVP and Sales representative for VARD in the project.

The vessel will have extensive deliveries from VARD’s specialized subsidiaries.

Smarter operations with integrated SeaQ technology

A suite of integrated SeaQ solutions from Vard Electro will support improved operational performance onboard. With a strong focus on energy use and propulsion efficiency, the stern trawler will feature SeaQ Energy Storage System in combination with SeaQ Microgrid. This allows power to be recovered from the permanent magnet electric motors on the trawl winches during shooting operations and feed back into the system during hauling. For more efficient energy management, the SeaQ Power Management System will be seamlessly integrated with the hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system.

Further, the vessel will also be equipped with SeaQ Bridge, offering an integrated bridge system developed for advanced operations at sea. Designed around the operator, the system combines an intuitive user interface with full flexibility in equipment maker selection, allowing the bridge setup to be tailored to specific operational needs. SeaQ Bridge also acts as a digital enabler by bringing operational data together through one interface, supporting better decision-making.

Safety, comfort and operational excellence onboard

SEAONICS will deliver a premium winch and crane package especially designed for safe and efficient deck handling in harsh conditions. The electric trawl winches have high dynamic performance, enabling optimum performance for the trawl in all conditions. During shooting or paying out wire all winches regenerate power back to the SeaQ Energy Storage System, hence will reduce the power consumption in operation.

Vard Interiors will deliver a complete and fully integrated interior package, providing turnkey solutions that combine modern design with sustainable HVAC, refrigeration, and piping systems.

The delivery is based on high standards of quality, efficiency, and technical performance, ensuring well-designed and functional living and working environments onboard the vessel.

Built on global expertise – delivered from Norway

The stern trawler of VARD 8 02 design is developed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway.

The vessel will be constructed using VARD’s global integrated value chain. The hull will be produced at Vard Shipyards Romania - Braila while the outfitting, commissioning and delivery is scheduled for Q3 2028 from Vard Brattvaag in Norway.

About VARD

VARD is one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels. Headquartered in Norway and with approximately 8,000 employees, VARD operates shipbuilding facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam. Through its specialized subsidiaries, VARD develops power and automation systems, deck handling equipment, and vessel accommodation solutions, and provides design and engineering services to the global maritime industry.

VARD’s long shipbuilding traditions, cutting-edge innovation and technology coupled with its global operations and track record in constructing complex and highly customized vessels have earned it recognition from industry players and enabled it to build strong relationships with its customers.

Fincantieri Oil & Gas S.p.A, a wholly owned subsidiary of FINCANTIERI S.p.A. Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, is majority shareholder of VARD with around 98 % of the shares. FINCANTIERI is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only player active in all high complexity marine industry sectors. The Group is a global leader in the construction of cruise ships and naval and offshore vessels, and stands out for its extensive experience in the development of underwater solutions, thanks to its integrated industrial structure capable of managing and coordinating all activities related to the commercial, defense, and dual-use sectors. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri today has a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and over 24,000 employees.

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