Krill harvesting: Aker BioMarine to build new support vessel in China

18 Oct 2018 --- Aker BioMarine is set to build its newest support vessel in China. After signing a memorandum of understanding with representatives from the China Overseas Development Association (CODA), Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine noted: “This is the beginning of a unique collaboration bringing together innovative technologies and high-tech competencies from both Norwegian and Chinese companies.”

Replacing their existing transportation vessel La Manche, Aker BioMarine’s new krill support vessel will be based on the latest energy saving and environmentally-friendly technologies. It is hoped that the project will be completed by December 2020.

Designed specifically to meet the unique demands of krill harvesting operations in the challenging Antarctic conditions, the new vessel will feature an integrated cargo handling system. Powered by the latest technology including combustion engines, the vessel will be propelled with an efficient propulsion line with a variable propeller. The supply vessel will be equipped with an advanced heat recovery system helping to reduce the carbon footprint even further.

“Renowned for their expertise and capacity to deliver, we are thrilled to continue modernizing and improving our operations with Chinese partners. This is the beginning of a unique collaboration targeting the delivery of a custom-made Chinese built vessel equipped with truly unique Norwegian technologies,” says Johansen.

“We are delighted to see the continuous deepening relations between China and Norway, providing win-win solutions and mutual benefits. Aker BioMarine’s wish to build a state-of-the-art transport vessel in China embodies this spirit of cooperation between the two nations. We are pleased to be a part of supporting this process and desired to contribute to this cooperation,” says Mr. Hu Weiping, Chairman of CODA.

Earlier this year, Aker BioMarine and Chinese krill harvesting companies together with other members of the Association of Responsible Krill harvesting companies (ARK), came together to adopt voluntary measures to further secure the sustainability of krill harvesting in the Antarctic Ocean.

In further Aker BioMarine news,  the company and Lupus Research Alliance have partnered to launch a new clinical study investigating how phospholipid-rich krill oil can benefit people with lupus, with the aim of lessening the severity of symptoms associated with the disease.