Stabilizing the future of beam trawlers
Stabilizing the future of beam trawlers
Improving safety for beam trawlers: Conoship’s advances in vessel safety
Following two extensive research projects on the ‘Stability of beam trawlers’ and ‘Improving the safety of beam trawlers’ (please reach out to us to request the research papers), we visited the MARIN model testing facility last October. Our appreciation goes to MARIN for their hospitality, expertise and professionalism, the results of the testing days are invaluable to the fishing industry.
The project, which began in 2022, was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure in response to the tragic capsizing incidents involving beam trawlers UK-165 ‘’Lummetje’’ and UK-171 ‘’Spes Salutis’’. We dedicate our ongoing work to the crewmembers of the beam trawlers that were lost at sea, aiming to establish new standards in vessel stability and crew safety.
What are beam trawlers
Beam trawlers are a type of fishing vessel introduced shortly after the second world war. They operate by dragging two large nets (called fishing trawls) through the water along the bottom of the sea.
Why this matters now
On November 28th, 2019, beam trawler UK-165 Lummetje capsized and sank, with the sad loss of two lives. While investigations by the Dutch Safety Board were still underway, in December 2020 the UK-171 Spes Salutis experienced a similar incident, fortunately the crew was rescued.
Following the results of the investigation, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management was recommended to ‘Investigate the scale of the safety risk of the capsizing and sinking of trawlers as a result of dangerous asymmetric loading conditions within the entire Dutch trawler fleet. Include all fishing vessels in this investigation, irrespective of their length. Take measures to counter this safety risk’. Hence, Conoship was assigned by the ministry to follow up on the investigation and recommend the solutions necessary to improve vessel safety.
During the first project on the stability of beam trawlers Conoship carried out, all Dutch flag beam trawlers were included in the investigation .One of the main conclusions of this project was that it was necessary to narrow down the scope to beam trawlers with a length of 24 meters and less.
Research findings and outlook
We are on the brink of revolutionary change in the industry. For the first time, major players from the entire Dutch fishing industry are coming together to address maritime safety and regulations for beam trawlers. By bringing together builders, fishermen and those who make the regulations we are finally looking at major breakthrough. While the project is commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and carried out by Conoship, local governments are also involved, together with:
Designers
Fishermen
Governments
Students & educational institutions
The research is relevant for all European nations as many findings can also be applied to different types of vessels. The Belgium and Germany governments have been specifically informed, as there is also a sizeable beam trawler fleet in those countries as well. Furthermore, other countries that use these types of vessels are the UK and France.
As so often, tragedy is at the essence of regulatory breakthroughs. Right now is the time to ensure we keep moving forward. As the various stakeholders of the (beam trawler) fishing industry come together we are close to pushing new national policies that will drastically reduce the risks Dutch fishermen face.
Looking at the second research project, it resulted in three proposals to stabilize the future of beam trawlers:
Proposal for stability criteria during fishing operations
General stability rules apply also on beam trawlers, but adding requirements for fishing conditions with additional safety margin makes sure vessels can handle these tough situations better. The new rules focus on required vessel stability under heel at different angles and stability requirements while pulling fishing nets.
Onboard warning system
Based on the proposed new criteria, a stability module can be developed. Based on this module a warning system can be developed, to assist the crew with timely detecting of stability risks while fishing.
Improved education
More practical education on vessel stability is essential to prepare skippers for tricky real-life scenarios. The conclusion of the research is to use an operational ship’s model to demonstrate and experience the effects of moving booms, rigging and other weights on stability. Additionally, the use of beam trawler simulators is also recommended. In particular, the 24-meter simulator at MARIN and the 40-meter simulator at VDAB.
Insights from MARIN beam trawler model testing
The model testing was done based on the results of Conoship’s second research project and was executed by MARIN and commissioned by the Dutch Ministry in collaboration with MARIN. The first impression seems to confirm our findings.
MARIN simulated realistic fishing scenarios, such as the effects of fishing gear weight and derrick positions. Testing verified that these conditions ensure a more realistic evaluation of a vessel’s stability compared to traditional free-sailing criteria. Even minor design improvements for newbuilt beam trawlers and retrofitting existing ones can already play a major role in improving safety and stability.
Ongoing steps and intended vessel safety results
MARIN will process the results of the testing, with which Conoship will assist in any way possible. At first glance, the results seem to align with the second research project, but we must eagerly await the definitive conclusion.
Working out the module upon which the warning systems can be designed. Implementation of the to-be designed warning system on new beam trawlers will be easy. On the other hand, retrofitting existing beam trawlers will likely be more challenging in the upcoming years.
Further develop the beam trawler simulations systems for the education of fishermen in close collaboration with MARIN.
Finally, the proposal to the Dutch Ministry will give national policy makers the opportunity to stabilize the future of beam trawlers. These steps mark the beginning of a safer future for the Dutch fishing industry. By addressing the challenges head-on, we aim to reduce risks at sea, protect the lives of fishermen, and ensure that beam trawlers remain a vital and viable part of our maritime heritage.
By taking decisive action today, we ensure that tragedies like those of the recent past become a thing of history. This journey is one that requires commitment from everyone in the industry. Together, we can implement these solutions, create safer vessels, and set a global standard for fishing vessel safety. We are proud to be a part of this process!
Do you want to know more about this topic or want to know about how you or your organization can contribute to stabilizing the future of beam trawlers? Feel free to reach out to us through the form on our website or call us directly at +31 (0)50 526 88 22.
