DENMARK LEADS THE WAY IN FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY

Denmark Leads the Way in Fisheries Technology

Denmark continues to set the standard in fisheries innovation, with a national focus on efficiency and sustainability that resonates across the Nordic region. As the fishing industry evolves, the emphasis on streamlining operations and refining technologies, especially in gear development and processing, has become more critical than ever.

At the heart of this technological drive is the Flume Tank operated by the North Sea Science Park in Hirtshals. For decades, this specialised facility has served as a key testing ground for fishing gear, one of only a few such tanks worldwide. It allows scaled-down fishing equipment to be tested under simulated sea conditions, offering vital insights into gear performance and design.

Hirtshals flume tank

Despite its long service history, the Hirtshals flume tank has not stood still.

Ongoing upgrades have kept it at the forefront of technological development, making it increasingly valuable not only for traditional trawl and fishing gear testing but also for the aquaculture and underwater technology sectors.

In 2023, the North Sea Science Park assumed full responsibility for managing the tank, recognising its importance as a demonstration and research facility for the wider fisheries industry. Since October that year, Mette Hyldgaard Roussis has served as its manager, leading the development of a new strategic vision for the park.

“At the flume tank, sustainability is closely tied to innovation,” Roussis said. “We see a high level of creativity from both industry players, like gear manufacturers and the research community. Our message at DanFish International is clear: we’re ready to support development projects and actively contribute to a more sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sector.”

Trawl Door Innovation

Denmark’s fishing gear manufacturers have long outperformed expectations globally, and Thyborøn Trawldoor remains a standout name in innovation. Consistently drawing attention at DanFish International, the company exemplifies how Danish engineering continues to shape the global fisheries landscape.

Trawl doors, once passive components of fishing gear, have undergone significant transformation in recent years. With advancements in materials and control systems, they are now active and adaptable parts of the trawl setup.

Thyborøn is leading this evolution.

Thyborøn Trawldoor’s newly developed Type 28 trawl door represents a major leap forward. Building on the semi-pelagic Type 26 design, the Type 28 is optimised for fishing closer to the seabed, featuring a compact frame and a lower centre of gravity suited for demersal operations.

Field trials of the Type 28 have already been conducted on Norwegian, Icelandic, and Spanish vessels, with more scheduled globally. The early feedback indicates it could be a major highlight of this year’s DanFish event.

“We attend many exhibitions, but DanFish is our home ground,” said Henrik Andreassen of Thyborøn Trawldoor. “It’s always a special event where we connect with our Danish customers and meet with other fishermen and fleet managers from around the world. From the moment the doors open, it’s non-stop—and in our view, DanFish is one of the best exhibitions in the world.”

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Main Image Hirtshals flume tank