When fishing company Gjögur’s new pelagic vessel Hákon TH-250 was about to be commissioned, the decision was taken to invest in the latest controllable Thyborøn trawl doors. This is a pair of Type 42 doors, measuring 12m2 and weighing in at 4700kg – the first of this type for an Icelandic fishing vessel. A year on, there’s a breadth of experience in using these door, and it’s positive in every respect.
Jón Thór Björnsson, Hákon’s skipper.
According to Hákon’s skipper Jón Thór Björnsson, the performance of these doors has exceeded all expectations. He describes them as easily the best doors he’s towed.
‘They’re stable in shooting and hauling, responsive in operation and considering their weight, they’re unbelievably light to tow.’
He comments further that they’re robust and built to last – ‘This is proper iron, no rubbish,’ – and that they always hit the surface square.
‘It’s great to work with these and I reckon they’ll last us well. There’s hardly a mark to be seen on them after a year in use,’ he adds.
Jón Thór Björnsson points out that for the first few months the doors were used without the control systems, but when this was installed they showed their worth as reliable and versatile doors that made everything easier.
‘We were pleased with them right away. They always sit correctly and square quickly.’
But it’s the control system that has been the major step, according to Jón Thór Björnsson. All of the equipment and software is developed by Thyborøn, and this enables the user to adjust the aspect and spreading efficiency of the doors during a tow. This is something he describes as a ‘total revolution’ and adds that the doors haven’t hit the surface once this summer, despite plenty of tight turns.
He comments that this technology has added significantly to the effectiveness of the fishing gear as a whole.
‘The doors keep the gear steady in a turn and the trawl stays well aligned behind us – and I don’t need to worry about it. There’s less mismatch and fewer distortions, and that’s better for the fishing gear. We can run at lower revs in a heavy current by reducing the square, and the gear configures itself better after turns and manoeuvres,’ he explains.
The decision to invest in the controllable Thyborøn doors for Hákon was taken after extensive and detailed examination of the many possible choices.
‘We had several options open to us, but I have no regrets about this choice,’ the skipper said, and also has nothing but good things to say about the technical support.
‘One phone call and help’s there.’
Today there are approximately 40 fishing vessels around the world using Thyborøn controllable trawl doors. Thyborøn’s agent in Iceland is Hampiðjan Ísland, which handled Gjögur’s purchase of these doors.
