About us
The background for the project is that today's trawling has some challenges: High fuel consumption, damage to the seabed, trawl net damage, challenges with controlling the trawl's course and depth, and trawler’s traction power determines the trawl size and by-catch. At the same time, the trawler industry is using more technology and is more open to automation.
ECO Trawl AS was launched in June 2016 and is based on an idea of automating trawling using offshore and marine technology.
Team
Janet Vindenæs
CEO
Mads Bjørnenak
R&D Manager and Co-founder
Runar Viggosson
ROV Development Manager
Eivind Vigsnes
Co-founder and Control Systems Service Engineer
Using ECO Trawl have the following advantages:
Bigger
Bigger trawl than before and can fish faster and more efficiently
Risk
Less risk of trawl damage
Fuel
Less fuel consumption
Quality
Product quality (fish) is improved because of the more precise trawling process and the trawls being emptied more often gives better quality for the entire catch.
HSE
Better HSE (health, safety and environment) for the crew as there is no direct force from the trawler to the trawl and this makes it much safer to be on deck and operate the equipment. In addition, its less likely to get stuck below water.
Enviroment
Environmental impacts such as reduced fuel consumption, reduced ground contact at bottom trawling, reduced by-catch, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced seabed damage
Technology
The idea is to place powerful electric propeller units (AUDs) where the trawl doors are today on a trawl. The propeller units replace the traction power from the tractor propeller and the propeller units get electric power from a generator on the trawler. The AUD units are controlled in the water with side and depth rudders. A trawler control system collects sensor data and controls the propeller units and thus the trawl's course and depth in the water. Such a solution will provide a far more environmentally friendly and efficient trawl.
Preliminary concept studies show that an average trawler will increase the catch volume by up to 20%, saving 30% fuel in addition to reducing ocean floor damage and reducing by-catch. The ROI for trawl owners is estimated to 6-12 months. The Eco Trawl will have great value nationally and internationally.
Patent pending ECO Trawl has applied for a Norwegian patent for the core technology patent application number 20161043
Patent pending ECO Trawl has applied for a Norwegian patent for the core technology patent application number 20161043
Patent pending ECO Trawl has applied for a Norwegian patent for the core technology patent application number 20161043
The AUD replaces the trawler pull and has control surfaces for depth and heading control
Extensive CFD calculations of the ECO Trawl concept have been performed, verifying the forces and controllability of the AUD unit. The analysis have been performed by CFD Marine
Extensive CFD calculations of the ECO Trawl concept have been performed, verifying the forces and controllability of the AUD unit. The analysis have been performed by CFD Marine
Supporters & Partners
Eco Trawl in the Media
Article in the newspaper Dagbladet regarding trawling and Co2 emission. Read here
Article regarding bottom trawling in the Oslo fjord. Read here
New research by Havforskningsinstituttet regarding bottom trawling in the Oslo fjord. Read here
Article in Teknisk Ukeblad regarding Eco Trawl AS. Read here
New research regarding the effect of bottome trawling, published in Nature March 2021. Read here
Article regarding Eco Trawl AS in The Explorer. Read here