Damen launches converted feed carrier vessel

Netherlands-based shipyard group Damen has completed its conversion of a platform supply vessel into a feed carrier. The converted vessel, Eidsvaag Opal, will be operated by Norwegian company Eidsvaag on behalf of feed groups Skretting and Cargill.
The conversion was carried out by Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm) and involved extending the vessel length by 5 metres and fitting 35 new silos and a big bag hold, with capacity for 2,800 tonnes of fish feed. DSAm also fitted five new cranes and a discharge system.
Also working on the project were Niron Staal, Damen’s specialist steel fabricator – the project entailed 875 tonnes of steel work – and extensive electrical work carried out by carried out by FMJ Marine Automation.
Eidsvaag Opal was commissioned to work as part of the “Fjordfrende” collaboration between Skretting and Cargill, competitors in the feed sector. Fjordfrende is an initiative aimed at reducing CO2 emissions in aquaculture, supported by funding from the European Commission. As a result of Fjordfrende, the emissions of both companies are expected to be cut by one fifth, some 10-20 million kg CO per year.
The project took 346 days in total and was completed despite Covid-19 restrictions in the Netherlands. DSAm senior project manager Arjan de Vos said: “Naturally we were very concerned with the wellbeing of everyone working on the project and had to take the time to implement safety measures. This proved to be very effective and not only were we able to continue the work, but we did it in good time. I’m very pleased with the way that we have risen to the challenge presented by the pandemic as a team and been able to continue to safely serve our clients during this time.”