Gone fishing for emission reductions, improved safety and reduced fuel costs
October 14, 2025By Seawork Press FP
Hefring Marine
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Innovative solutions that will support a fishing fleet in tackling rising fuel costs, improving safety, and reducing emissions are on their way.
The new partnership between Icelandic tech company Hefring Marine and the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation (NIFF) will see members of the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) and the Anglo Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (ANIFPO) trial Hefring Marine’s IMAS technology for the first time on commercial fishing trawlers.
Rising fuel and operating costs, driven by inflation and global energy market pressures, have placed increasing strain on the Northern Irish fishing industry. Traditionally, most vessels lack the tools to measure fuel consumption accurately, relying on crude tank calculations. Hefring Marine’s system will allow operators to track and understand fuel usage in real time, paving the way for greater efficiency, reduced diesel dependency, and improved engine longevity.
“Fuel represents one of the most significant operating costs for fishing vessels,” commented Adam Holland, Fisheries Sustainability Officer for the Northern Irish fishing industry. “By working with Hefring Marine, we aim to give vessel operators the tools to monitor and manage their consumption more effectively, supporting profitability while also supporting our fleet in aligning with the UK’s emissions reduction targets.”
The pilot program will also test how the technology can enhance crew safety by offering data-driven guidance on vessel handling in challenging sea conditions.
“Fishing is one of the toughest operating environments at sea,” said Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO of Hefring Marine. “We are excited to collaborate with NIFF to adapt our technology for this sector. Our goal is to empower fishermen with tools that make their work safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.”
As part of the rollout, fishermen will undergo training to ensure they can easily access, understand, and apply the system’s data insights. The project will also provide valuable baseline data to explore future adoption of alternative technologies and sustainable fishing practices.
If successful, the pilot will form the foundation for a long-term strategy to modernize vessel operations across the Northern Irish fleet and potentially beyond.
