Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam is constructing an innovative razor shell dredger for the Dutch fishing co-operative YE 118 Noordland BV.

The 43-metre vessel, sharing the same name as the co-operative, will show how a standard Maaskant design can be modified to meet the ever changing requirements of the modern fishing industry, said a statement.

Frits van Dongen, director, Damen, said: “We are very happy to have been given the opportunity to build such a cutting-edge vessel. The Noordland will be able to harvest razor shells in water up to 20 metres deep – something that is made possible by the advanced pumping system.”

The pump will be connected to a 30-metre suction pipe, with a one-metre wide basket at one end that the vessel will position over the target area.

This fishing technique will minimise environmental damage such as disturbance to the seabed and unwanted by catch.

In fact, the Dutch razor shell fishery is an MSC certified industry – meaning that it is sustainably managed to ensure healthy levels of the target species while supporting the surrounding ecosystem.

At present, the majority of the catch is sold in Southern Europe while the consumption of razor shells as a delicacy is relatively unknown in the domestic market.

As well as installation of the specialised fishing equipment, the yard’s scope also includes fitting of the vessel’s generators and propulsion system as well as carpentry, electronics and piping.

The delivery is planned for mid-October. - TradeArabia News Service