Vard Holdings has won a deal to design and build a krill fishing vessel for Aker BioMarine in Norway.

The ship will be specifically built for undertaking sustainable fishing operations in Antarctica, and is set to incorporate the new VARD 8 10 design.

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The proposed 130-long, 23m-wide vessel will be also equipped with environmentally friendly technologies. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled by the final quarter of the next year.

Vard has not disclosed the value of the latest order, which is subject to certain conditions, including customary financing requirements.

Aker BioMarine production and supply chain EVP Webjørn Eikrem said: “The new krill vessel will be equipped with the latest and most advanced technology.

“All plans and specifications are developed in cooperation with fishermen from Aker BioMarine and engineers from Vard.

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“The vessel’s operations will be energy efficient, with a bio-refinery capable of processing raw krill material in the Antarctic.”

"The vessel’s operations will be energy efficient, with a bio-refinery capable of processing raw krill material in the Antarctic."

Vard is planning to build the hull of the new krill fishing vessel in Tulcea, Romania.

The company currently operates five shipbuilding facilities in Norway, two in Romania, and one each in Brazil and Vietnam.

Vard announced last month that it had signed a letter of intent to design and build an expedition cruise vessel for an undisclosed cruise company.

The 145m-long, 20m-wide vessel will measure will accommodate 220 passengers, and is scheduled to be delivered by 2019.


Image: Krill fishing vessel. Photo: courtesy of Vard.

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