Sjótækni partakes in testing environmentally friendly epiphyte protection

The test area on the sides of Kafari BA, a comparison between traditional bottom paint, Hripa's protection and copper-free bottom paint
The test area on the sides of Kafari BA, a comparison between traditional bottom paint, Hripa's protection and copper-free bottom paint
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Sjótækni and the start-up company Hripa ehf. are now collaborating to test a new type of environmentally friendly epiphyte protection for use in the sea. The start-up company Hripa ehf. has, with a grant from the Technology Development Fund, developed a protection without any toxins, which can harm the environment and organisms in the sea. In collaboration with Náttúrustofa Vestfjarða and with assistance from the companies Arctic Fish and Egersund Ísland, Hripa has conducted tests with the attachment protection for aquaculture nets for the past two years and the results are very positive.

 

When the research vessel Kafari BA was launched in Njarðvík last March, the protection from Hripa was applied to certain areas below the sea line on both sides of the boat and it will be interesting to see how it works there compared to normal bottom paint.

 

Hripa has applied for an international patent for the epiphyte protection and various further studies are currently underway on the effectiveness of the epiphyte protection, as well as harmlessness towards fish and other marine life in collaboration with other parties in Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

 

Sjótækni places great emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and that the materials and products used by the company have the least possible environmental impact. It is therefore very positive and in accordance with Sjótækni's environmental policy to assist in the development of environmentally friendly protection, which is much needed.

 

Measurements in Ísafjarðardjúp

The sun shines on the mountains south of Ísafjarðardjúp
The sun shines on the mountains south of Ísafjarðardjúp
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Sjótækni´s survey boat has been on the move in Ísafjarðardjúp this winter to map possible areas for fish farming. When it comes to examining the bottom and conditions for a quay, Sjótækni's survey boat comes in handy. Of course, good weather conditions helped with the work and the mountains at Ísafjarðardjúp put their sun hats on to celebrate the day.

Valur has arrived at the port of Tálknafjörður

From left; Björgvin Gestsson, Chairman of the Board of Sjótækni, Kjartan J. Hauksson, CEO and Jóhann M. Ólafsson, both owners of Sjótækni.
From left; Björgvin Gestsson, Chairman of the Board of Sjótækni, Kjartan J. Hauksson, CEO and Jóhann M. Ólafsson, both owners of Sjótækni.
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On Friday 19.03.2021, a new workboat from Sjótækni ehf, Valur, arrived in Tálknafjörður for the first time and for that occasion a reception was held on board the boat in Tálknafjarðarhöfn. Residents of Tálknafjörður, Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur, as well as neighbours, were invited to come and see the new ship and receive refreshments. Previously, receptions had been held in Reykjavík Harbour and Akranes, where Sjótækni's customers and benefactors were invited to come and see the ship and receive refreshments. A large number of people came on board both times and liked the new boat. Kjartan J. Hauksson, CEO of Sjótækni, would like to thank everyone for coming and rejoicing with us at Sjótækni on the occasion of the arrival of the new ship. More photos from the reception in Reykjavík and Tálknafjörður can be found here on the website under Photos and „Vinnubáturinn Valur“.