LARGEST FEED BARGE IN SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE LAUNCHED

Largest feed barge in southern Hemisphere launched. Today, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest, most technologically-advanced feed barge, designed for the most exposed fish farm in the world, the Hogan, was christened and launched at Crisp Bros. and Haywards Margate.

The Hogan, designed by Huon Aquaculture in collaboration with AKVA and Crisp Bros. and Haywards and built by Crisp Bros. & Haywards, is fully-autonomous with every system on the barge capable of being remotely operated from Huon’s Feed Control Room in Hobart.

Huon Aquaculture Co-Founder and Executive Director Frances Bender said, “The Hogan sets a new benchmark for innovation in aquaculture not only in Tasmania, but on the world stage. I believe that our new barge will make the international industry sit up and take even more notice of the ground-breaking work that is being done in our State.”

The Hogan is the first of two 600T feed barges that will service Huon’s Storm Bay leases. “Everyone knows that Storm Bay can get rough which is why we have invested $10.5 million in our new purpose-built barge. Offshore is where Huon’s future expansion lies and technological innovations such as the Hogan will help us safely achieve our long-term vision.”

“Some people can be intimidated by the idea of autonomous technology so I’d like to reassure themthat this vessel isn’t coming at the expense of people’s jobs rather it will safeguard them.”

A collaboration of approximately 100 employees and contractors have been involved in the project with the barge taking approximately 30 man-years to build, with the coatings alone taking 4.25 man-years to apply.

“I’m immensely proud that this ground-breaking vessel was not only constructed here in Tasmania, but that every employee of Crisp Bros. & Hayward’s is a local.”

“We believe that wherever possible, jobs and economic benefits should flow back into our local rural communities so that they too can enjoy the benefits of our very successful industry,” concluded Frances Bender.

The launch was attended by employees who were involved in the design and build, those who will be working on the vessel, community members, local councillors and schools. The sister-ship to the Hogan is under construction at Crisp Bros. & Haywards.

Construction facts:
– The Hogan is 39.2meters long, approximately 400tonnes, and 12meters wide
– 9,000 litres of paint were used which took the equivalent of 4.25 man-years to apply
– The build took the equivalent of 30 man-years
– 260t steel are in the hull and 50t in the outfit
– Contributing contractors include Briar Banks Engineering for Hydraulics and Fuel, G A Davies Plumbing, SJM Developments for the fitout, S & C Ayliffe for protective coatings, SNH Electrical for the electrical Installation, and Cromarty for the electrical design, AKVA centralised feed system
Background:
– Huon pioneered farming in Storm Bay and have had operations in the area since 2014
– Peter and Frances Bender were recently jointly recognised as the 2018 Australian Farmer of the Year
– Huon is RSPCA Australia’s only Approved salmon farmer