• They will strengthen company’s capacity to meet the future needs of the aquaculture industry
Norway-based company Frøy is strengthening its fleet with three new service vessels from Rainbow Nantong Shipyard in China. Two of the vessels have already secured long-term contracts with two of Norway’s largest aquaculture companies—and this investment marks a new step in Frøy’s efforts to build a more modern, efficient, and sustainable fleet, they assured.
According to them, the vessels represent the next generation of service vessels and will strengthen Frøy’s capacity to meet the future needs of the aquaculture industry. With high technical standards, energy-efficient solutions, and significant operational capacity, they will contribute to a reduced environmental footprint, increased efficiency, and good working conditions on board.
“This is an important investment in Frøy’s continued development. We are seeing strong demand for modern service vessels and have great confidence in the long-term need for this type of capacity in the aquaculture industry. The fact that two of the vessels have already been secured on long-term contracts with leading players in the industry provides a solid foundation for the project and confirms that the vessel concept meets customers’ needs,” said CEO Tonje Foss.
Design Based on Extensive Experience Operating
The vessels have been developed based on Frøy’s extensive experience operating service vessels along the entire Norwegian coast, the company explained. The concept combines high deck and lifting capacity with a hybrid propulsion system, battery packs, and shore power charging.
That resulted in reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, while also providing the vessels with increased power reserves and operational flexibility. They are further equipped with modern bridge technology, comprehensive camera and surveillance systems, and facilities that facilitate safe and efficient operations.
Vidar Pedersen, Frøy’s Commercial Director, highlighted the significance of the early customer interest: “The fact that two of the vessels have already been secured under long-term contracts is, in our view, a strong endorsement of the project. It gives us confidence that we are developing solutions that meet the needs of some of the most professional and demanding customers in the industry,” says Pedersen.
Significant attention has been paid to the onboard work environment. Noise- and vibration-reducing measures, high-comfort interior design, modern ventilation systems, and spacious cabin solutions are intended to contribute to a high level of well-being and a safe work environment for the crew.
Building on Frøy’s leading position in providing services to the aquaculture industry, the vessels have been developed based on extensive operational experience and a thorough understanding of customer needs. The goal has been to develop vessels that combine high capacity with energy-efficient solutions, strong operational reliability, and good working conditions.
Development for the Region
The company explained with the announcement that the new vessels not only help strengthen Frøy’s service offerings but also contribute to the further development of maritime expertise and value creation in the region.
“When we build new vessels, we’re also investing in expertise and jobs in the region. These projects offer exciting opportunities both at sea and on land, in ship design, technology, project management, and international construction supervision. This helps further develop a strong maritime professional community with expertise that is in demand far beyond our own operations,” assured Foss.
And he concluded: “The aquaculture industry faces ever-increasing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and quality. Therefore, we must continue to develop both our services and our vessels. These newbuilds are a clear expression of our ambitions and our belief in the future of both Frøy and the industry as a whole.”
Assisting Salmon Farmers
Frøy is a world leading integrated aqua service competence and infrastructure partner to the salmon farming industry. They assist salmon farmers with maintaining sustainable and efficient day-to-day farming operations at sea. Frøy was established at Frøya, the global epicenter for aquaculture, more than 20 years ago.
“Our solutions for the ocean space includes transportation of live fish, biological treatments, sorting, counting, cleaning, inspection, installation and maintenance of site infrastructure,” they say.
