Podcast: The future of fishing vessels

Erlend Hagen, CEO in Naval Consult participated earlier this month in a podcast during Danfish international fisheries exhibition in Aalborg. With him was CEO Kent Damgaard from Karstensens Skibsværft and shipowners Bjørn Kjellby and Geir Lundberg. The topic was “the fishing vessel of the future”.

A ship has a long life span and it is hard to predict how the future looks in 20-25 years. However, there are certain elements that we can foresee. Hagen states that while the markets might be changing, we know that the owners will be facing requirements on fuel reduction, greener solutions, higher duties/fees etc.

Hydrogen in fishing vessels?

One of the topics the panel touched upon was how the ships could be greener, in order for the fish to achieve higher market value. Hydrogen was mentioned as one of the options. Shipowner Kent Damsgaard calls for actions that actually makes a difference. As an example, he uses LED lights. In Norway we have previously received financial support for the use of LED lights onboard. “Fair enough, but there is nothing new with LED lights”. Instead, he suggests using the money for research on hydrogen or other technologies that really brings us forward.

However, while hydrogen in fishing vessels might not be right around the corner, there are other green measures taken already, such as clean technology, better energy utilization, isolation etc. And one thing is certain, the shipowners will have to adopt new green technologies in order to be competitive in the future.

If you are interested in listening to the full podcast, follow this link (in Norwegian).