All you need is LUV
Workboat co-operator is also a systems integrator
BASED in Groningen, the Netherlands, Nauplius Workboats designs, develops and delivers turnkey solutions for the aquaculture industry worldwide, innovating workspace and increasing efficiency.
Its founding partners and CEOs, Gerrit Knol and Jaap van den Hul-Kuijten, grew up on boats. Their focus had always been marine oriented, when they teamed up and created their own yachting and workboat designs.
Next generation LUVs
In 2018, Nauplius Workboats became the first company to design and build vessels in line with the demands of fish farming.
The 1907 Landing Utility Vessel (LUV) is a hybrid design - between a landing craft and a multi-cat vessel, placing the wheelhouse on the side.
The decision to invest in a larger work deck and easier access has been appreciated as the company makes a name for itself in the Scottish fish farming market.
Last year, several of its 1907 LUVs were operational with Marine Harvest Scotland, now Mowi.
Ship’s length workdeck The new generation 1907 LUVs are certified for 60 nautical miles and designed for the harsh environments of the North Sea.
Nauplius Workboats recognises that those in the fish farming and maritime world rightly expect more than a standard workboat these days, with increasing demand for specific working conditions.
All aspects and practical experience, with feedback from operators, is put to use by continuously updating the design.
‘The 1907 LUV distinguishes itself by a special layout: a work deck on starboard along the entire ship’s length, facing the side of the pen,’ said Knol, who is also technical director of Nauplius Workboats. ‘This was realised by placing the superstructure at portside. ‘There is also enough space for a large crane, an HS Marine AK40 HE4 and an Akva net washer mounted on deck.’
The 1907 LUV is designed for manoeuvrability. At 20m in length and with 7.25m beam, it has a relatively small footprint, making it cost efficient. It has a dead weight of 60 tonnes.
However, there is still ample space for four occupants in the two cabins, each with a bunk bed. The vessels are equipped with all the modern day comforts, with each occupant having an optional wall mounted TV and access to the internet.
Mowi Scotland is incorporating the 1907 LUVs at Uist, Barra and Muck. The fourth vessel will go to Carradale before Christmas 2019.
‘Keeping all Nauplius Workboats vessels 100 per cent tailor made is our mission and always fully in line with the requirements of our client,’ said Knol.
‘And keeping the operational costs for the client as low as possible is cooperating on mutualy beneficial ground.’
The formula is working out, with the success of the 1907 LUVs leading to a follow up order for three more boats- for the larger version, the 2712 LUV.
Both the 1907 and 2712 LUVs are built to the local laws and guidelines and the highest safety standards.
Expanding and extending
The 2712 LUV is equally suitable for the open sea, and these three boats will be used as service boats and for fish feed deliveries. Designed as a six, single cabin vessel, and providing a relaxing environment for free time, means the crew on board return to work refreshed and ready for their next shift.
Quality is always a consideration. The 27m long vessel has space for two cranes, an HS Marine AKC 145-20 HE4 and an AK 48-18,5 E5, as well as several trucks, and deck space for seven 20-feet containers and three 10-feet containers.
System integration
Nauplius Workboats also functions as a system integrator. Having completed the third 2712 LUV, which is to be deployed in the North Sea with DESS Aquaculture Shipping Norway, Nauplius Workboats is converting the vessel in the Netherlands, installing a four-line hydrolicer.
‘Seen from the designer’s perspective, we believe that a closer integration between the development of the marine platform and the working systems on board will give a far better operation of the vessel,’ said Kohl.
‘Currently, the 2712 LUV is fitted with a four-line hydrolicer, optimising the workdeck space within the Workboat Code.
‘This again will lead to reduced space consumption, fuel consumption, and reduced emissions, hence a greener operation.’
Complete on-deck units
Nauplius Workboats is committed to delivering the very best vessels, cost efficiency and work solutions to aquaculture.
The company recognises, alongside its clients, that the fish farming industry is experiencing a challenging transformation, like many other industries. Nauplius Workboats aim to continue to assist by providing very reasonably priced custom built Landing Utility Vessels, leading to efficiencies in customer operations, including while carrying out delicing or peroxiding.
Nauplius has created a new efficient design for complete on-deck units. The company is building heavy fuel oil (HFO) booster units for third parties, together with the recent development to design and build oxygen dosing units, and hydrogen peroxide dosing units.
Enhancing workboat design and delivery processes, together with the recent development of further creating treatment systems and integration, have always been a strategic focus for the company.
‘We are grateful for the developing chances that this offers- vessels that exceed expectation and therefore lead to new assignments,’ said Knol.
‘Always emphasising the clients’ targets means that we are now adding services to our products, always customised to fit the needs.’
Nauplius Workboats is exhibiting at Aqua Nor 2019 on stand A-186.
“Keeping all Nauplius vessels 100 per cent tailormade is our mission ”