Macduff Ship Design Deliver Aquaculture Service Vessel 'Naomi Jennifer'

Macduff Ship Design have delivered a new 25m hybrid aquaculture support vessel to Inverlussa Marine Services. The Vessel was built by Macduff Shipyards and designed by Macduff Ship Design.

The vessel named ‘Naomi Jennifer’, has been designed to meet high environmental and operational standards, incorporating modern hybrid technology, increased lifting capability, and as is standard with Inverlussa vessels, accommodation built to a very high standard. ‘Naomi Jennifer’ is fitted with IMO Tier 3 compliant engines supported by a hybrid system that can store electrical energy for use during operations. This contributes to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and quieter running.

‘Naomi Jennifer’ has been developed in response to the increasing use of larger and heavier equipment on modern fish farming sites. These demands require more power, additional bollard pull, and higher lifting capability. Alongside this, the higher loads imparted by the increased size of gear mean that new more modern deck equipment is required to aid handling and maintain crew safety. The vessel has been designed to support these requirements and is equipped with upgraded cranes, additional thrusters, and the latest SHM deck equipment to assist with safe and efficient anchor handling, towing, and general farm operations.

The wheelhouse is arranged with all-around visibility, including full-height windows aft to provide excellent visibility of the aft working deck. The wheelhouse has a main forward command position and an auxiliary station aft. There is also a communal area to port with a small pantry area. Below the wheelhouse is a large area dedicated to electronics and accommodation ventilation.

Crew welfare has remained an important focus throughout the design and build. The vessel offers a large communal galley mess area with comfortable messing and lounge areas. Split between below deck and main deck are five ensuite cabins. All accommodation areas have been engineered with significant attention to reducing noise during operations, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment for crew onboard.

Below deck is split into 5 compartments: Fore Peak, crew accommodation, Engine room, Hold with flush deck hatch and steering gear space.

The delivery of Naomi Jennifer marks the tenth collaboration between Macduff Ship Design and Inverlussa Marine Services, with many of the vessels also being built at Macduff Shipyards. The new vessel increases Inverlussa’s fleet to twenty-three. ‘Naomi Jennifer’ will operate with two crews of three, on a time-for-time rotation, contributing to Inverlussa’s workforce of around one hundred and forty five seafarers from across Scotland.

Ben Wilson, Managing Director of Inverlussa Marine Services, commented:

“We are pleased to welcome Naomi Jennifer into the fleet. She represents a steady progression in our investment in modern and environmentally responsible vessels. Macduff Shipyards has delivered a very good build, and this project reflects the value of our ongoing partnership. The vessel will strengthen our ability to support customers across a wide range of operations while continuing to provide a safe and dependable working environment for our crews”

John Watt, Managing Director of Macduff Shipyards, commented:

“We have had a great relationship with Ben and Doulgas at Inverlussa Marine Services over the last 13 years since building the Helen Burnie. We appreciate the business we have done with new vessels and servicing their fleet of vessels. Their expertise has enabled us to build a state of the art fish farm service vessel in the Naomi Jennifer. This vessel is designed and built in Scotland helping to keep our workforce of 220 employees in high quality secure jobs and provide training for our 40+ Apprentices. We wish Inverlussa Marine Services and crew all the very best with the new vessel.”

Ian Ellis, Managing Director of Macduff Ship Design, commented:

“It has been a pleasure working with Ben and Douglas and the team at Inverlussa Marine Services and Macduff Shipyards on our 10th collaboration. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to develop the ‘Naiomi Jennifer’ which shows Inverlussa’s commitment to advancing their fleet with new technology to match growth in the aquaculture industry whilst improving environmental performance.’