Major modification of factory trawler “Centurion del Atlantico” nearing completion

The Argentinian factory trawler “Centurion del Atlantico” has been through a major upgrade at the Westcon Florø shipyard. In 2021 The Norwegian Ship Design Company was chosen by the Owner “Estremar S.A.U.” to plan and engineer the modification. Thereafter in 2022 Westcon Florø was chosen for the modification work, were the vessel arrived in July 2023. The vessel is now soon ready to return to the fishing grounds in the South Atlantic, and the new pictures are taken by The Norwegian Ship Design stability engineers during the inclining test day 6th of April.

The vessel has been equipped with a completely new hybrid propulsion line, including new main engine, 2-step hybrid gearbox and propeller (in nozzle). A battery system, power electronics and combined electric propulsion motor / shaft generator enables hybrid drive. Further an economizer in the main engine’s exhaust line has been installed for using waste heat to produce steam, reducing diesel burned for this purpose. Steam is used in the fish factory onboard. The vessel has also been equipped with new trawling gear requiring less engine power when trawling.

The upgrade aligns well with Norwegian Ship Design's commitment to low-emission and zero-emission technology and this upgrade results in a significantly reduced carbon footprint of +40 %.

Obviously, the Norwegian Ship Design’ engineers have been working on this project for a long period of time. Technical Director Arvid Holsen states that much of the design work was completed before the contract was signed with the shipyard. Subsequently, we further developed the design and made preparations prior to the vessel’s arrival at the shipyard in Florø. During the conversion period, we have had a very good and close cooperation with both the Owner and the shipyard. We are now working on the final documents for this refit and we wish “Centurion del Atlantic” a safe voyage back home to the southern hemisphere shortly.

Project manager Tore Hovland (to the right) and the rest of the team have worked closely with the Owner. Here together with “Estremar S.A.U.” technical representative, Martin Lomez.