Flow Gear at IceFish 2024.
Hampidjan’s subsidiary, Mørenot Fishery, has developed, applied for a patent, and introduced an innovative solution for bottom trawling, designed to maximize fishing efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This new type of hopper string, called Flow Gear, is constructed from semi-circles made of plastic rather than the traditional large rubber rings.
The streamlined form of the semi-circle string reduces water and seabed resistance, decreasing strain and lowering energy consumption. The plastic semi-circle is flexible, absorbs shocks, and does not bend or damage as steel would if it were used instead of plastic. Additionally, the new hopper string enhances both the opening and stability of the trawl during towing. Testing has shown that water flow over the semi-circle design increases water velocity toward the center of the trawl, effectively guiding fish into the trawl and resulting in higher catches.
Flow Gear is made up of semi-circles.
The string is environmentally friendly, with a contact surface made of steel, which reduces wear compared to rockhopper rubber. It has a gentler impact on the seabed, representing a significant improvement over traditional equipment. The reduced drag resistance saves fuel and increases catch per towing hour, significantly lowering the carbon footprint. This equipment, currently undergoing the patenting process, is expected to revolutionize bottom trawling, benefiting both the fishing industry and the environment.
Comparison of catch, with Flow Gear on the left and traditional rockhopper on the right.
Key Advantages:
– Up to 40-50% increase in catch efficiency
– Superior streamlined design
– Lighter towing load
– Easier to navigate over seabed obstacles
– Reduced impact on the seabed
– Lower resistance and fuel consumption
Initial prototypes of the string have been tested, identifying areas for enhancement. This feedback is now being used to improve the design, including significantly enlarging the semi-circles to better suit fishing in Icelandic waters.
“This new technology is an important milestone in developing environmentally friendly solutions for the fishing industry. With the Flow Gear hopper string, we’re not only improving fishing efficiency but also significantly reducing seabed impact and lowering the carbon footprint. This is a positive step forward for the future and for fishing companies looking to increase efficiency responsibly,” says Hjörtur Erlendsson, CEO of Hampidjan.
