
The giant Colruyt, one of Belgium’s leading companies in the food sector, has entrusted the Galician shipyard AISTER with the construction of its new mussel harvesting vessel
The Galician shipyard, specialized in naval aluminum and one of the leading references in its sector, continues to achieve new milestones. The Belgian company Colruyt, through its shipowner Fleetco NV, has entrusted AISTER with the production of its new mussel harvesting vessel, which was delivered on May 17th in the Ría de Vigo.
This vessel is specially designed for open sea harvesting and cultivation of mussels using a long-line system.
With a length of 24.3 meters and a beam of 7 meters, the ship is equipped with two Volvo engines, each providing 425 HP, and its main propulsion is diesel-hydraulic, reaching a maximum speed of about 14 knots.
The propulsion system layout includes space for lithium batteries, allowing future conversion to electric-hydraulic propulsion, which would enable zero-emission operation.
Its shallow draft and foldable hydraulic thrusters give this vessel outstanding maneuverability and operation even in shallow waters.
This AISTER mussel harvester, named “MOULES FRITES,” can accommodate up to 8 crew members, features a kitchen with a dining area for six people, a changing room with a bathroom, and a mechanical workshop.
The navigation bridge offers an automation system that allows monitoring and controlling all services and machinery from the same bridge with a 360º view, providing enhanced safety and performance, as well as making onboard work easier for the crew.
The ship has a spacious deck that allows for different processing machinery configurations, providing a large cargo volume of nearly 15 tons, along with a crane capable of lifting one ton at 10 meters and a hydraulic bow thruster with 700 kg of thrust.
With the delivery of this vessel, AISTER, the Moaña-based naval aluminum leader, reaches a total of 104 constructions completed, with more currently in production.