Zamakona Yards, a Spanish shipbuilder, announced the completion of a new tuna freezer vessel, the third commissioned by Echebastar Group.
The new ship, Euskadi Alai, was set to be delivered to the Bermeo Group Echebastar on 25 July, and will eventually join its sister ships Izaro and Jai Alai in procuring product from the Indian Ocean.
Among the vessel’s technical features is a system that can separate targeted tuna catch from fish that aren’t targeted, and return the latter to the water alive with little need for human intervention. Moreover, Euskadi Alai comes equipped with ultra-freezing tunnels at -60o as well as safe zones outfitted with anti-piracy protection. It also features an aluminum superstructure and bridge, like its sibling ships.
The Echebastar Group, which is currently being assessed by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), is hoping that the new technology, which may serve to minimize bycatch aboard Euskadi Alai, will serve to represent the group’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and quality; the group is the first tropical tuna fishery in Spain to undergo a full MSC assessment.
