Hydroniq Coolers Wins Aas Mek Contract

Norwegian shipyard Aas Mekaniske Verksted has awarded Hydroniq Coolers a contract to deliver its hull-integrated seawater cooling system to a vessel the shipbuilder is constructing for wellboat company Sølvtrans.

Under the contract, Aalesund-based Hydroniq Coolers – formerly named Sperre Coolers – will supply its Rack seawater cooling solutions to the wellboat.

The Rack cooler differs from other cooling systems as it is integrated in the hull below the main engine room of the vessel. Here it safely reduces temperatures in the ship’s engines and other auxiliary systems through use of seawater – but without taking up valuable engine room space.

“When we developed the Rack cooler, we combined the benefits from box and plate coolers, without the disadvantages of either system. For example, we combine the energy and space-saving features of a box cooler with the standardised steel structure and constant and efficient cooling of a plate heat exchanger – uniting all these qualities into one system. Additionally, the Rack offers a maintenance-friendliness that neither the box nor plate cooler can compete with,” says Inge Bøen, CEO of Hydroniq Coolers.

The company will manufacture and assemble the equipment at its headquarter in Aalesund, Norway and deliver it to Aas Mekaniske Verksted’s yard at Vestnes in Norway. Hydroniq Coolers has not disclosed the value of the contract.

The wellboat is newbuild number 204 from Aas Mekaniske Verksted and will have storage capacity of 2,500 cubic metres, equivalent to 375 tonnes of live fish. The newbuild vessel will be 69.69 metres long and 17.80 metres wide. Depth moulded is 5.90 metres. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for October 2020.

The buyer of the vessel is Sølvtrans, the world's largest wellboat company for transport of live salmon and trout. The company is in the forefront when it comes to “closed system” technology, an environmentally friendly concept which limits the danger of infection, has a positive effect on animal welfare and gives a cost-effective transportation and handling of the fish.

“Our hull-integrated seawater cooling system reduces power consumption, fuel costs and maintenance costs. As such, it is a good match for Sølvtrans’ environmental profile,” adds Inge Bøen.

Hydroniq Coolers delivers marine cooling solutions to vessels that operate within offshore, shipping, cruise, passenger transport, fishery and fish farming. Shipowners, yards and ship designers are among the company’s customers and cooperation partners. The company is owned by Norwegian investment company SMV Invest AS (formerly Sperre Mek. Verksted AS).