Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania has launched a fisheries research vessel, Baia Farta, for the Angolan Ministry of Fisheries.
Damen said the launch of Fishery Research Vessel (FRV) 7417 took place on 9 November and that Baia Farta features a basic design from Norwegian independent ship designn consultants Skipsteknisk. Her construction has been an international project, involving input from Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in the Netherlands, with building taking place at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.
Damen said in a statement that the FRV 7417 is suited to various purposes, including hydrographic operations, acoustics research, pelagic and demersal trawling, plankton, water, environmental and geographical sampling, oil recovery and emergency towing operations.
The Angolan fisheries ministry is a long-standing client of Damen, having previously taken delivery of two 62-metre Fishery Inspection Vessels 6210 and a smaller FRV 2808. The first 62 metre vessel was launched in December 2011.
Friso Visser, Damen Regional Director Africa, said: “This vessel represents the future of fishery research, featuring cutting-edge technologies to make operations both sustainable and comfortable. She will enable the Angolan Fisheries Ministry to carry out research into its fishing grounds that will help to develop and preserve the nation’s industry and environment.”
Fishing makes up around 3% of Angola’s GNP and employs tens of thousands of people, making it vital to protect Angola’s 1 700 km long coast. The fishing sector is one of Angola’s largest economic sectors and its 610 500 square kilometre exclusive economic zone is a tempting target for illegal fishing operations.
