Fishing vessel maintenance is a continuous cycle of upgrades and modifications

The shrimp trawler, Markus, stopped by Orskov Yard for its five-year class survey and rebuilding of the processing factory. Strong project management and production capabilities are required when Orskov Yard, the seafood processing specialist Carsoe, and several subcontractors work together in a tightly scheduled repair and refitting process involving stringent standards for hygiene.

Orskov Yard is a preferred choice for many North Atlantic fishing vessel owners due to its strong reputation, specialized workshops, spacious docks, and attractive location near the North Atlantic fishing grounds. Among those shipowners is Qajaq Trawl, a regular Orskov Yard customer who brought the shrimp factory trawler Markus to Frederikshavn for a five-year class survey and a rebuild of its shrimp processing line.

Carsoe, a specialist in turn-key solutions for seafood processing, delivered and installed the customized onboard factory solution. Orskov Yard oversaw project management and handled all aspects of the work, including steelwork, piping, welding, plumbing, electrical installations, insulation, furnishing, and painting.

An extensive and complex project

Replacing a shrimp processing line on a trawler is a complex process that requires careful planning to minimize downtime and disruptions to fishing operations. Structural modifications of the vessel, utility reconfiguration, and safety and compliance upgrades are needed to accommodate a new processing line. In this project, Orskov Yard had to cut a hole measuring 4 x 2.2 meters in the hull to make room for the new factory, build an insulated room for the freezer, and rework all the ship’s piping systems.

“A project like this is extensive and very complex because we need to carry out planned maintenance and repairs while modifying the ship to fit the new factory. But they are all familiar tasks that we have plenty of experience handling. Fishing vessel maintenance is a continuous cycle of upgrades and modifications. Every time a trawler docks at the yard, some level of refitting is required”, said Thomas Justinussen, Project Manager at Orskov Yard.

As the vessel and factory are used for seafood processing, Orskov Yard has carefully selected materials and solutions that meet stringent hygiene, safety, corrosion resistance, durability, and robustness standards. Examples include stainless steel, food-safe plastics, and epoxy coatings for the flooring.

Working together with the customer in focus

With a tight schedule, seamless coordination, mutual trust, and close dialogue between all people involved are crucial to ensuring the vessel is delivered to the shipowner on time.

“Orskov Yard made all preparations before the ship’s arrival, ensuring we could start immediately. The project plan was well-managed with three weekly site meetings to address any challenges promptly”, said Michael Trolle Mortensen, Head of Production, at Carsoe.

He has been working with fishing vessels for almost 40 years and has always enjoyed his stays at Orskov Yard:

“What I really like about Orskov Yard is how they do business. Here, trust is mutual, and everyone works with the customer in focus. We engage as equals, and I always feel welcome and comfortable here”, said Michael Trolle Mortensen.

The five-year class survey of Markus included:

– Overhaul of electric motor and generators

– Overhaul of pumps

– Overhaul of bottom valves

– Overhaul of hydraulic cylinders

– Overhaul of winches

– Replacement of shaft seal

– Painting of hull, trawl deck, winch deck, forecastle deck, lower bridge deck, and boat deck

– Testing and five-year inspection of cranes

– General repairs and scheduled maintenance.