Operating in one of the worlds toughest conditions requires state of the art vessels and a highly dedicated crew. Surrounded by the Antarctic wilderness, breathtaking scenery and being several days away from civilization, the vessels and their crew need to withheld months at sea.
Have you wondered how life at sea is in one of the most remote areas of the world? We will give you the main features of the new vessel and some insight about the facilities the crew has.
Our vessels
Antarctic Endurance is the world’s very first purpose-built krill harvesting vessel. It is a 130-meter vessel constructed by Norwegian shipbuilders VARD. Equipped with our patented Eco-Harvesting® technology, this ensures that the trawl takes krill on-board the vessel for processing, minimizing the chance of by-catch. Being custom built from scratch, it allowed innovative technologies that help make the vessel 30 per cent more environmentally efficient, compared to other trawlers.
In addition, the vessel is equipped with the latest and most advanced eco-friendly technology, setting a new bar for sustainable harvesting. The vessel has an on-board processing facility that processes the krill immediately after the krill is brought on-board, helping ensure premium product quality.
“We have put all our experience and know-how into building a vessel capable of matching our ambitions and operational needs.
Antarctic Endurance is specifically designed and constructed for our unique business, with direct input from our experienced crew. It is truly one-of-a-kind and our very first purpose-built krill harvesting vessel.” Matts Johansen, CEO Aker Biomarine.
Our crew
Spending months at sea in remote areas, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is vital that the crew have the best facilities to do their job. Therefore the new vessel is equipped with several innovative technologies, that help ensure optimal operations at sea. The vessel also has VARD’s SeaQ Bridge, which helps combat challenging conditions. Indoors, the recreational areas have modern decor, good lighting and large windows. The crew can also relax in the vessel’s cinema, gym, sauna or jacuzzi.
When speaking to some of our crew members, one thing that they will take with them, is how to work and operating in the challenging, but beautiful nature in Antarctica. Sometimes in icy cold storms, outside on the deck. Being a fisherman is not for the faint hearted.
What’s next?
Aker BioMarine will build a new energy-efficient vessel, fitted with some key efficiency improvements and environmentally focused technologies. The vessel is expected to be ready for the harvesting season 2021.