New feeding barge delivered to Organic Sea Harvest
1st October 2020
All photos and text by Gael Force Group
Inverness-based aquaculture equipment, technology, and service supply partner, Gael Force Group, has safely and successfully delivered the first of two new SeaMate Feed Barges to Organic Sea Harvest near the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
The delivery of the SeaMate 350T marks the completion of a robust farm infrastructure at Culnacnoc, with the inclusion of SeaQurePens, SeaQureMoor mooring grid, and SeaFeed technology, all supplied by Gael Force. The range of equipment designed for Organic Sea Harvest will contribute towards a safe and secure environment for farm personnel to raise their premium organic fish.
Designed and engineered to BS8007 and built in accordance with all applicable standards, the highly durable SeaMate Barge has a 350T feed capacity. It is renowned in the Scottish aquaculture sector for its excellent seakeeping abilities, performance in the exposed marine environment, and is the choice for many fish farms.
Gael Force’s expertise and experience in barge building is comprehensive with close to 100 feed barges completed over an established period of 20 years. Feed barges such as the one delivered to Organic Sea Harvest are built at Gael Force’s engineering facility in the Highland capital.
Gael Force barges are fully fitted out with a series of safety features to protect farm personnel and the integrity of the barge, such as bilge alert systems, automatic sensors, and remote monitoring systems.
On-board the barge, the SeaFeed System for feeding fish has barge and operator safety at the heart of its design with several valuable features across the system designed to protect the health and safety of farm staff and protect the barge from the rigours of the sea. Inside the barge, there is a comfortable lounge area that provides staff with space to relax during scheduled rest breaks.
The software for controlling the feeding of fish can be intelligently configured to guide future feed plans ensuring the salmon receive the correct amount of feed required during every meal.
From a land-based feeding centre which is planned imminently, farmers will have the option to control feeding and monitor barge safety from the comfort of the shore via a secure link to the barge.
Commenting, Organic Sea Harvest’s Euan McArthur said;
“We are delighted with the quality and strength of all the equipment we have received from the team at Gael Force. It is very reassuring to know that our farm technicians can care for our fish with the full knowledge that the equipment on site is offering us all
a secure environment to work in.”
Gael Force Group Sales Director, Jamie Young said;
“Partnering with Organic Sea Harvest on their journey from the inception of their sites through to the installation of the equipment has been extremely satisfying. Choosing to invest locally in our products, technology, and services is important for our employees and the local communities in which we are present across Scotland. We are very grateful to Organic Sea Harvest for placing their trust in us to deliver tough, marinised equipment for use on their sites at Skye.”
