The fisheries sector is essential but it is also a challenging and costly industry. In a positive development, the RFO made a 20 million euro subsidy available to the fisheries sector on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. The subsidy scheme “Less energy consumption in fisheries (EnergieVis)” is aimed at making fisheries more sustainable and modernized. This award provides a welcome incentive for fishermen to modernize and make their operations more sustainable. The grant aims to promote innovative technologies that reduce environmental impact while improving fishing efficiency and profitability.
An excellent example of a technology that fishermen can adopt with this grant to save costs and promote sustainability is an ultrasonic antifouling system. Fouling, or fouling of algae, mussels and other organisms on vessel hulls, is a common problem. It can lead to increased resistance of the vessel in the water, resulting in increased fuel consumption, higher operating costs and higher emissions.
Are there other reasons for using an ultrasonic antifouling system? “The old methods still put a strain on the marine environment and precisely because we live off what the sea gives us we have an extra duty of care towards nature. We normally go into dry dock once a year, now every 15/16 months simply because the stern stays cleaner because of the ultrasonic system. This way we use less antifouling paint.” Thus Dirk Kraak skipper on his own cutter, the BRA7, and one of the leaders of Eendracht maakt Kracht.
The award of the 20 million grant to the fishing industry provides a unique opportunity for fishermen to invest in sustainable technologies. The use of ultrasonic antifouling systems is an effective and environmentally friendly way to cut costs and improve operational efficiency. By investing in these technologies, fishermen can not only increase their profitability, but also help preserve our valuable marine ecosystems for future generations. As Dirk Kraak would put it “Just do it. The investment pays off because a cleaner vessel uses less fuel. You save a dock every 5 years and that averages €10,000.”
Would you like to save costs with this sustainable technology? Then contact Lamers System Care B.V. at +31 (0) 413 275 647 or info@LSCare.nl
