AISTER, the Galician shipyard renowned for its expertise in aluminium shipbuilding, has delivered a state-of-the-art mussel harvesting vessel to Belgian retail company Colruyt Group through its maritime subsidiary Fleetco NV. The handover, conducted in the Vigo Estuary, underscores AISTER’s role as a leader in crafting specialised vessels for niche maritime industries.
This vessel is specifically designed for open-sea mussel harvesting and cultivation operations using a long-line system .
Measuring 24.3 meters in length and 7 meters wide, the boat is powered by two Volvo engines, each producing 425 hp. Its main propulsion system is diesel-hydraulic, giving it a maximum speed of around 14 knots.
The layout of the propulsion system includes space for lithium batteries so that the propulsion can be modified to electric-hydraulic in the future, allowing it to operate with zero emissions.
Its shallow draft and folding hydraulic propellers give this vessel outstanding maneuverability and operation even in shallow waters.
This AISTER mussel boat, called “MOULES FRITES,” can accommodate up to eight crew members, has a kitchen with a dining area for six, a changing room with a bathroom, and a mechanical workshop.
The navigation bridge offers an automation system that allows all services and machinery to be monitored and controlled from the bridge itself with a 360-degree view, which provides added safety and performance, while also making the crew’s work onboard as easy as possible.
The vessel features a spacious deck that allows for various configurations of processing machinery, providing a large cargo volume of nearly 15 tons, along with a crane capable of lifting one ton to a height of 10 meters and a 700 kg hydraulic bow thruster.
With the delivery of this vessel to Fleetco, AISTER, the leading Moaña shipyard in aluminium shipbuilding, has reached the milestone of 104 completed constructions, to which more will be added currently in production.
Technical Information
- Year: 2025
- Type: Workboat
- Model: Aquaculturist
- Overall length: 24.30 m
- Beam: 6.95 m
- Height: 1.80 m
- Engine power: 2 x Volvo D8MH – 425 HP
- Fuel capacity: 2 x 2500 L
- Maximum speed: 14 knots
- Load capacity: approx. 15 t
- Crew: 8 crew members
