Improving energy efficiency in new trawlers fishing gear in Mediterranean sea

Abstract

The objective of this work is to show the benefits of a new eco-systemic fishing gear installed in three bottom trawlers after one year using it. The study has been based on fuel consumption reduction for the three vessels and the catch in two of them. The new system minimizes the impact of the fishing gear on the seabed, with a reduction on the tow resistance. This generates significant fuel savings that improves the economical result of the fishery, helping the ship owners in the return of investment first, then in the future viability of the operation. Apart of the evident savings due to the fuel consumption reduction, in the long term, the ship owner will notice also savings on maintenance, both because the winches are towing with less tension (longer life for warps, brakes and hydraulic system) and the engine is running at low rpm s (longer life of the engine and between breakdowns). The new fishing gear does not require any modification on the way that the fisherman is working, only replacing and/or modifying some parts or components of the fishing gear. The implementation is easy and the adjustments required could be done in a couple of days.