Future fuels
Aquaculture was a key area for Seawork 2024, with questions around clean technology coming to the fore, as David Robinson reports.
The 25th edition of the Seawork exhibition and conference held in June 2024, Europe’s largest small commercial marine show, included as usual several companies that are associated with operations in the aquaculture sector.
The show took place in Southampton, on the south coast of England, between 11 and 13 June. It was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal. Audience numbers showed a steady increase on previous editions with 7584 visitors from 45 countries.
One of the leading Seawork exhibitors linked with aquaculture was the global shipbuilding group Damen Shipyards Group. As in previous years the group debuted a new model which this year was the fully-electric FCS 3210 E. This represents the next step forward in crew transfer solutions, paving the way to zero emissions transportation of crew and cargo to offshore locations.
HRH Princess Anne at Seawork
Damen developed the FCS 3210 in response to feedback from the market calling for a larger crew transfer/cargo vessel. The design is based on Damen’s successful FCS 2710. It features the same combination of Damen’s AxeBow hull shape with a rounded tunnel.
This working craft offers optimal comfort, reduced wet deck slamming and minimal resistance in the water. With the increased length of the FCS 3210, this effect is even further pronounced ensuring increased uptime. Aft, the FCS 3210 offers increased space for a larger deckhouse and more deck capacity.
Damen FCS 3210 crew transfer vessel
Shortly after the introduction of the FCS 3210, Damen received an order for three hybrid diesel-electric versions and following this, Damen has taken the next step forward with the development of a fully electric, zero emissions version.
The vessel features a full electrical Volvo IPS system, enabling it to sail exclusively on battery power. With this, the FCS 3210 E is able to sail at high speeds to offshore locations up to 25 nautical miles from shore. On arrival, it will recharge at a charging system integrated to a turbine, substation or SOV before returning to shore. To give operators the flexibility to operate the FCS 3210 at locations farther from shore.
In a key conference session Damen presented its views on “Fuels of the future”. Director of Products in Damen’s Workboats division, Joost Mathôt, reviewed the multiple options fuelling the debate. He highlighted that all around the world, new regulations are being introduced that that will require maritime operators to report – and reduce – the carbon impact of their fleets.
The new regulations are a major challenge because carbon reduction technology requires an increase in CAPEX – and frequently OPEX, too – at a time when it offers no increase in earning potential. A further challenge, in most cases, is that the technology has not yet reached a state of maturity so, as of now, it is not known what the future maritime energy transition will look like. Range anxiety is another issue to be addressed.
Mathôt acknowledged the difficulty of finding an answer. He emphasised that none of the currently available alternative fuel types provides a definitive solution. Plus, the origins of the fuels raise further questions. He indicated, however, that this is not a reason not to act. Indeed, Damen, with its goal to become the most sustainable maritime solutions provider, is doing all it can. It is, in fact, exploring all possible options and he reported that the group had successfully delivered a number of fully electric vessels, and is now constructing more.
AQS Trym, Macduff Ship Design
The drive to clean technology
Ian Ellis, Managing Director of MacDuff Ship Design, told Fish Farmer: “Little has changed over the last year in operations and smaller vessels, but the drive to clean technology does seem required. One area which was not noted before and is a potential benefit for vessels with batteries is the potential to run on battery and not need to run diesel engines at site.”
He explained: “We have seen the delivery of AQS Trym in the early part of the year which has a set up as above. We have a number of vessels currently in build for aquaculture sector both in the UK and Norway and much of this is driven by the larger infrastructure and cage sizes.
This increase has led to higher loads during site maintenance and a requirement for higher capacity cranes and deck equipment suitable for operation with the new sites whilst maintaining or improving crew safety. This is all shown in the AQS Trym with the extensive deck package fitted.
Seawork 2024 overhead
“Even in the smaller site boats,” he reported, “this requirement is being seen and the older vessels are not suitable for the fitting of the larger cranes and deck equipment leading to a new breed of site boats. There is also a demand for improved efficiency and need for boats which are capable of performing specific tasks such as net cleaning and ensilage.”
Ellis remarked: “We are looking forward to an exciting year with these developments and working with vessel operators and owners to develop the new generation of vessels suitable for the future. The first of these can be seen in a new 15m catamaran that we have developed with Tor Group International and Skagen Ship Consulting. The vessel has now been fully developed to carry a 50 tm [tonne/metre] crane and optional further deck equipment. Tor Group have started building the first two vessels as stock vessels.”
Alphageo ROV
Underwater expertise
In respect of AlphaGeo and the products it markets linked to aquaculture, Adrian Fowler, Technical Services Manager, said: “At Seawork 2024, Alphageo received notable attention for its contributions to the aquaculture sector.
“The company showcased its advanced underwater ROVs [remotely operated vehicles] and underwater drone technologies, which are pivotal in the maintenance and monitoring of aquaculture operations. Specific mentions from the show highlighted Alphageo’s innovative solutions designed to enhance productivity and sustainability within the aquaculture industry.”
Alphageo is deeply involved in the aquaculture industry, primarily through its distribution and support of advanced underwater ROVs and drones.
These technologies are critical for the inspection and maintenance of fish farms, allowing for precise monitoring of fish health, water quality, and structural integrity of nets and cages. The partnership with Chinese manufacturer Chasing has been particularly fruitful, with Chasing’s high-quality underwater drones being marketed effectively in the UK and other regions.
In regards to this year, Fowler indicated: “In 2024, Alphageo experienced significant business growth in the aquaculture sector. This impressive performance reflects the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in aquaculture for operational efficiency and sustainability. The business trend for Alphageo is positive, with a steady growth trajectory observed over the past few years.”
He added: “The demand for underwater drones and ROVs in aquaculture is on the rise, driven by the industry’s need for advanced monitoring and maintenance solutions. This growth is expected to continue as more aquaculture operations recognize the benefits of these technologies.”
Seawork 2025 is set to be held on June 10-12, 2025 and organisers Mercator Media report record re-bookings already, year on year. For details see seawork.com
