POLAR SYSTEMS LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST AUTOMATED LANGOUSTINE SYSTEM

Polar Systems, a global leader in food processing technology, is proud to announce the official launch of The Tailer Grader, a ground-breaking automated langoustine processing system. Following successful sea trials in the North Sea, this industry-first technology is now available to the commercial fishing fleet, marking a new era of efficiency, welfare, and precision for the Nephrops sector.

As the primary lead on the project’s engineering and development, Polar Systems has successfully transitioned conceptual AI technology into a rugged, sea-ready solution. The Tailer Grader is designed to meet the harsh demands of the working deck while delivering the consistent quality required by high-end international markets.

Polar Systems has partnered with Tide 2030 to provide structured development and implementation pathways that allows vessels to adopt the technology at their pace in line with regulatory, welfare, and market requirements.

Advanced Automation Meets AI Precision

At the heart of The Tailer Grader is a sophisticated AI Vision System that provides Complete Grading Control. Unlike traditional manual methods, the system utilises high-speed cameras to analyse every catch in real-time allowing Captains to define consistently how langoustines are graded from whole tail to lower value catches.

This allows for Multiple Grading Options, ensuring that langoustines are sorted with surgical accuracy based on size and quality, maximizing the value of every haul.

The system introduces Automated Langoustine Processing to the deck, significantly reducing the physical burden on the crew. With Precise Separation and Tailing technology, the machine ensures a clean, high-yield every time, preserving the integrity of the delicate tail meat.

Unmatched Welfare and Efficiency

In alignment with modern sustainability and animal welfare standards, the Tailer Grader features integrated Humane Stunning technology. This ensures the langoustines are processed instantly and humanely.

“Our goal was to lead the industry toward a more sustainable and profitable future,” said Ash Gamble, Director at Polar Systems. “The Tailer Grader isn’t just a piece of machinery; it’s a total solution. It makes the vessel more Crew Efficient by automating the most labor-intensive tasks, and it provides owners with Improved Yield Insight through live data-driven reporting.” 

Sea Trial Approved and Available Now

The Tailer Grader has undergone rigorous testing and is Sea Trial Approved, having recently completed operations aboard the Crystal Tide and Silver Wave. The system is showing incredibly high accuracy matched with robust mechanical operation ensuring system longevity paired with an easy to use interface.

George West, Owner of Silver Wave and many other fishing vessels said “During the on board trials, the system operated reliably in genuine working conditions, maintaining consistent throughput while significantly reducing manual handling. Crew feedback highlighted the machine’s ease of use, robust construction, and ability to deliver clean, uniform tailing results with minimal crew input.

Importantly, the machine showed strong potential to improve both processing efficiency and product quality. Its automation of a traditionally labour‑intensive task suggests clear benefits for vessel productivity, crew welfare, and long-term operational cost savings.”

These trials proved the system’s reliability in real-world fishing conditions, demonstrating its ability to maintain high throughput even in challenging environments.

The Polar Systems Tailer Grader is Available Now for immediate order. As the fishing industry faces increasing pressure to improve welfare and efficiency paired with profitability, Polar Systems stands at the forefront, providing the advanced tools necessary for the next generation of fishing fleets.

The machine will be on display at Scottish Skipper Expo, 7 & 8^th May 2026 at P&J Live in Aberdeen.

Learn more at polar-shellfish.com