Huon Aquaculture, in collaboration with AKVA Group and Crisp Bros. and Haywards, celebrated the launch of their newest feed barge.
Launched on 14 December from Crisp Bros. in Tasmania, Australia, Huon’s latest vessel, the Hogan, is one of the most technologically advanced feed barges in the world and “designed for the most exposed fish farm in the world,” according to a release by the company. The new vessel, weighing 600 tons, is intended to be fully autonomous and will operate in aquaculture operations in Tasmania.
“The Hogan sets a new benchmark for innovation in aquaculture not only in Tasmania, but on the world stage,” Huon Aquaculture Executive Director Frances Bender said. “I believe that our new barge will make the international industry sit up and take even more notice of the ground-breaking work that is being done in our state.”
The vessel will be used at Huon’s Storm Bay leases, and is the first of two vessels that will serve the area. The feed barge will be capable of being remotely operated from Huon’s feed control room, located in Hobart, Tasmania.
“Everyone knows that Storm Bay can get rough which is why we have invested AUD 10.5 million (USD 7.5 million, EUR 6.7 million) in our new purpose-built barge. Offshore is where Huon’s future expansion lies and technological innovations such as the Hogan will help us safely achieve our long-term vision,” Bender said.
The autonomous vessel, Bender added, isn’t intended to replace jobs.
“Some people can be intimidated by the idea of autonomous technology so I’d like to reassure them that this vessel isn’t coming at the expense of people’s jobs. Rather, it will safeguard them,” he said.
The Hogan’s sister ship is currently under construction at Crisp Bros. and Haywards.
Photo courtesy of Huon Aquaculture
