NJORD by AISTER: aquaculture catamaran for the salmon industry in Norway
Professional aluminium catamaran for aquaculture operations and mooring handling
NJORD is a professional aluminium catamaran designed and built by AISTER for the salmon aquaculture industry, specifically for mooring line handling, cage positioning and offshore infrastructure maintenance operations. This project represents a major milestone for the shipyard, as it is the first aquaculture catamaran built in the ría de Vigo for delivery to Norway, developed in collaboration with the century-old company Grovfjord Mek. Verksted (GMV).
With a robust, highly specialised design focused on intensive operations, NJORD meets the demanding operational requirements of the Norwegian aquaculture sector, where reliability, manoeuvring precision and the ability to operate in adverse conditions are critical factors.
Technical specifications
Naval desing and operational performance
The NJORD catamaran has been designed according to advanced naval engineering principles, prioritising stability, load capacity and the operational precision required for aquaculture work. Its multi-hull configuration in marine-grade aluminium provides an excellent working platform, minimising movement and ensuring stable behaviour during lifting, mooring and cage maintenance operations.
It is worth noting that the NJORD represents a technological leap in Spain, being the first vessel to employ friction stir welded panels. This advanced technique optimises structural integrity and reduces thermal distortion, placing the construction of this model at the forefront of national shipbuilding.
The vessel is powered by two 500 hp engines coupled with controllable-pitch propellers, allowing precise propulsion control even at low speeds. This configuration, together with the addition of two transverse thrusters — one forward and one aft — gives NJORD exceptional manoeuvrability, essential for the accurate positioning of aquaculture structures.
The maximum speed of 10 knots reflects an operational approach focused on efficiency and control rather than rapid transit, optimising consumption and safety during prolonged operations. In addition, the keel cooler cooling system, integrated into both hulls, reduces maintenance requirements and improves propulsion system reliability in cold waters.
Professional equipment for aquaculture operations
NJORD has been conceived as a comprehensive working platform for aquaculture operations, incorporating a powerful hydraulic system capable of supplying a range of demanding deck equipment. Notable features include a hydraulic winch for mooring line handling and two heavy-duty cranes — one rated at 65 t·m and another at 33 t·m — enabling complex lifting, movement and positioning of cages and structural components.
The deck layout has been optimised to maximise operational space and support safe crew working conditions, allowing efficient handling of equipment and materials even in adverse weather. This configuration makes NJORD a versatile platform designed to meet the real demands of the industrial aquaculture sector.
A Catamaran serving salmon aquaculture in Norway
NJORD has been developed to operate in the demanding environment of salmon aquaculture in Norway, one of the most advanced and highly regulated markets in the sector worldwide. Its primary mission is the control, relocation and maintenance of farming cages, as well as the management of mooring systems associated with offshore installations.
The vessel enables these tasks to be carried out safely, efficiently and precisely, helping to improve the daily operation of aquaculture facilities and reduce intervention times. Its design complies with Norwegian standards for safety, reliability and performance, confirming its suitability for intensive, continuous use.
A practical and efficient vessel for professional aquaculture
NJORD represents a significant advancement within the aquaculture support vessel segment, combining specialised naval engineering, high-performance equipment and robust marine-grade aluminium construction. Its design optimises maintenance and operational processes in marine farms, delivering greater efficiency and safety in daily activities.
This project demonstrates AISTER’s ability to adapt to highly specialised sectors, developing bespoke naval solutions that meet the technical and operational challenges of modern aquaculture.
A strategic move for AISTER
The construction of the NJORD catamaran marks a key point in AISTER’s strategy, consolidating its entry into the international aquaculture sector and strengthening its position as a shipyard capable of developing complex, highly specialised professional vessels.
This project, developed in collaboration with Grovfjord Mek. Verksted (GMV), highlights AISTER’s technical capability, flexibility and naval engineering expertise, expanding its solutions portfolio beyond patrol and surveillance into new areas of the blue economy. NJORD therefore joins a growing portfolio of projects that reinforce the shipyard’s reputation as a leading international supplier of professional aluminium vessels.
