Loch Duart’s hybrid barge cuts carbon emissions
Independent salmon farmer Loch Duart has deployed a hybrid diesel-electric feed storage barge to help cut the company’s carbon emissions.
The barge is based at Loch Duart’s farm site at Oldany on the north-west coast of Scotland. The hybrid system was developed by Scale AQ. The barge uses an Environmental Management System (EMS) to ensure lower levels of diesel consumption and consequently lower emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxide. The DNV-GL (Det Norske Veritas) approved, cobalt-free batteries ensure installations are safe and have a long service life.
It is estimated that the feed storage barge will reduce the site’s diesel consumption by up to 60% when compared to standard diesel systems. Calculations show that the CO2 emissions from the production of the batteries will be earned back after approximately 60 days of use of the hybrid system at sea.
Additionally, Loch Duart said, by taking lorries off the road and delivering the feed fresh and straight from the producer by sea, the company is using sea freight, which it believes is the most CO2 efficient transport method.
The electric motor is also quieter than diesel and requires less maintenance.
Hazel Wade, Operations Manager of Loch Duart, said: “Loch Duart is excited to introduce this system on one of our sea sites, an industry first for Scotland. Our aim has always been to rear the best quality salmon with the lowest possible impact on the environment. This system represents a significant step forward, reducing our fuel usage and emissions while ensuring quieter operations for the team, our salmon and the local environment.
“The new hybrid feed storage barge also provides enhanced staff welfare facilities for our people working at sea, often in harsh weather conditions, helping them produce salmon with unrivalled taste and asked for by name around world. Loch Duart views this development as the beginning of our goal to further reduce the carbon footprint of all our farming operations.”
Last year Scottish Sea Farms trialled a hybrid diesel-electric barge at the company’s Spelve site.
