Icelandic technology firm Hefring Marine has entered into a partnership with the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation (NIFF) to trial advanced solutions for enhancing the Northern Irish fishing fleet's efficiency. This collaboration, set to begin in early 2025, aims to combat rising fuel costs, bolster safety measures, and decrease emissions, marking a significant step forward in sustainable fishing practices.
The project is supported by the Marine Environment & Fisheries Fund from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. Participants from the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) and the Anglo Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (ANIFPO) will be the first to implement Hefring Marine’s IMAS technology on commercial fishing vessels.
Focus on fuel use and vessel performance
The primary objective of the initiative is to give vessel operators immediate insights into their fuel consumption and vessel performance, enabling optimisation that can reduce operating costs and enhance safety.
Adam Holland, Fisheries Sustainability Officer for the Northern Irish fishing sector, noted the significance of this, stating, “Fuel represents one of the most significant operating costs for fishing vessels. By working with Hefring Marine, we aim to give vessel operators the tools to monitor and manage their consumption more effectively, supporting profitability while also supporting our fleet in aligning with the UK’s emissions reduction targets.”
Real-time monitoring of fuel use
Hefring Marine’s technology will enable real-time monitoring, promoting efficiency, lowering diesel reliance
Escalating fuel and operational expenses, spurred by inflation and global energy market dynamics, have increasingly burdened the Northern Irish fishing community.
Historically, accurate measurement of fuel consumption proved challenging, with most vessels relying on rudimentary tank calculations. Hefring Marine’s technology will enable real-time monitoring, promoting efficiency, lowering diesel reliance, and extending engine life.
The pilot will explore the potential of this technology to improve crew safety by providing data-informed guidance on vessel operations in adverse sea conditions.
Path towards modernised vessel operations
Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO of Hefring Marine, stated, “Fishing is one of the toughest operating environments at sea. We are excited to collaborate with NIFF to adapt our technology for this sector. Our goal is to empower fishermen with tools that make their work safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.”
The program includes training for fishermen to ensure effective use of the system's data insights. Additionally, it aims to gather baseline data to assess future integration of alternative technologies and sustainable fishing techniques.
Upon successful implementation, this pilot could lay the groundwork for an expansive strategy aimed at modernising the operational frameworks of the entire Northern Irish fishing fleet, with potential implications beyond regional waters.
