Borgenfjord, BioMar's ship, is ready to sail the Norwegian waters after undergoing extensive repairs in Tallinn. This opportunity has also been used to upgrade parts of the vessel, making it more efficient and sustainable.
Borgenfjord is a ship with a history that started in Tallinn in 2009. The ship has been part of BioMar's fleet since 2013, with the mission of deliver fish feed along the Norwegian coast. Now, its story continues, but with a series of noticeable improvements.
BioMar shared some details about the modifications to Borgenfjord, including the installation of a new propulsion system based on a diesel-electric/hybrid solution and the extension of the vessel's length by 17 meters, explained eidi Halvorsen, Director of Finance and Logistics Outbound at BioMar, detailed. Changes that significantly cut emissions and boosted cargo capacity by up to 870 tons.
"This upgrade of Borgenfjord clearly demonstrates our intention to achieve climate goals. […] With a significant increase in cargo capacity and a planned transition to electric and battery operation, Borgenfjord will deliver sustainable energy solutions for maritime transport, now and in the future," concludes Halvorsen.
Furthermore, they aim to take these improvements even further, starting from 2024. "The ship has been extended by 17 meters, and the cargo capacity has increased from 1,500 tons to 2,370 tons," said Bengt Stornes, CEO of Stornes Skip, the ship's owner. "The propulsion machinery has also been upgraded to meet stricter NOX emissions requirements with an associated NOx cleaning system, as well as a new electric propeller system and gearbox."
However, they still want to make changes that will take Borgenfjord to the next level. Specifically, they plan to equip the ship with a new electric excavator from Senebogen in February 2024. As BioMar noted, the excavator will use shore power during loading, offering quieter operation compared to the current diesel-powered machine. Additionally, the ship maintains its position during delivery without using regular engine power, thanks to dynamic positioning (DP). In this way, the new electric battery package, will achieve noiseless delivery and lower energy consumption.
BioMar is a world leader in diets for more than 45 different fish and shrimp species in more than 80 countries. Founded in 1962 by a group of Danish fish farmers, BioMar's heritage is a long-term commitment. Furthermore, their approach is to develop the aquaculture industry responsibly and sustainably. The company operates 16 feed factories across various countries, including Norway, Turkey, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Australia. During the rainy season, BioMar feeds sustain one in five farmed fish in Europe, South America, and Central America. Schouw & Co, a Danish industrial group, owns BioMar Group and lists it on NASDAQ in Copenhagen.
