Inverlussa Marine Services has taken delivery of its latest major investment, a new 25 metre hybrid aquaculture support vessel built by Macduff Shipyards and designed by Macduff Ship Design.
Incorporating modern hybrid technology and increased lifting capability, ‘Naomi Jennifer’ has been developed in response to the increasing use of larger and heavier equipment on modern fish farming sites. These demands require more power, additional bollard pull, and higher lifting capability. The increased size of gear means higher loads and it follows that new more modern deck equipment is required to aid handling and maintain crew safety. The vessel is equipped with upgraded cranes, additional thrusters, and the latest SHM deck equipment to assist with safe and efficient anchor handling, towing, and general farm operations.
Five similar designs have been supplied to Inverlussa by Macduff Ship Design with each iteration boasting increasing capabilities such as bigger capacity, increased safety features, larger cranes and more green credentials than the last. ‘Naomi Jennifer’ is the first of the five to be fitted with IMO Tier III compliant engines supported by a hybrid system that can store electrical energy for use during operations, leading to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and quieter running.
Macduff Ship Design has worked with Inverlussa Marine Services for over 15 years. Inverlussa started out in the mussel farm business and is now the largest independent provider of fish farm service vessels.
Ian Ellis, Managing Director of Macduff Ship Design, said, “It has been a pleasure working with the team at Inverlussa Marine Services and Macduff Shipyards on our tenth collaboration. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to develop the ‘Naomi Jennifer’ which shows Inverlussa’s commitment to advancing their fleet with new technology to match the growth in the aquaculture industry whilst improving environmental performance.”
Ben Wilson, Managing Director of Inverlussa Marine Services, commented, “We are pleased to welcome ‘Naomi Jennifer’ into the fleet. She represents a steady progression in our investment in modern and environmentally responsible vessels. Macduff Shipyards has delivered a very good build, and this project reflects the value of our ongoing partnership. The vessel will strengthen our ability to support customers across a wide range of operations while continuing to provide a safe and dependable working environment for our crews.”
John Watt, Managing Director of Macduff Shipyards, added, “…This vessel is designed and built in Scotland, helping to keep our workforce of 220 employees in high quality secure jobs and provide training for our 40+ Apprentices. We wish Inverlussa Marine Services and crew all the very best with the new vessel.”
The new vessel increases Inverlussa’s fleet to twenty three. ‘Naomi Jennifer’ will operate with two crews of three, on a time for time rotation, contributing to Inverlussa’s workforce of around one hundred and forty five seafarers from across Scotland.
