A render of Sanford's new scampi vessel design. Photo: Sanford
Fishing company Sanford has ordered a new hybrid boat which it hopes will help reduce emissions.
The company has signed a contract with Netherlands-based Damen Shipbuilding Maaskant to design and build a diesel-electric vessel to catch scampi in the Southern Ocean.
Sanford general manager of fishing Colin Williams said the vessel was the first of three expected to be added to the fleet, with an expected delivery in 2025.
"The use of diesel electric propulsion, which reduces our CO2 outputs, we're going to CO2 refrigerants that are less harmful to the environment and the habitation or the accommodation on the ship is going to be much better for our crews and our people," he said.
"The seakeeping capabilities of the vessel will be significantly improved."
The vessel would contribute to the company's goal of reducing the emissions from its direct operations by 25 percent between 2020 and 2030, Williams said.
Sanford chief executive Peter Reidie said the vessel would be a significant milestone in the company's strategy for its wildcatch business.
"It will be a major step forward in resilient vessel design, which will give us the ability to fish in more challenging conditions," he said.