Gjögur’s pelagic vessel, Hákon TH-250, has completed its first full year of using controllable Thyborøn trawl doors — and the verdict is overwhelmingly positive.
Skipper Jón Thór Björnsson describes them as the best doors he has ever towed, praising both stability and efficiency.
A year of testing pays off
The Hákon was the first Icelandic vessel to be fitted with Type 42 controllable doors from Thyborøn, each measuring 12m² and weighing 4,700kg.
Despite their size, Björnsson says they are “unbelievably light to tow” and remarkably robust. After a year of fishing, the doors show almost no wear.
At first, the crew used the gear without its control system. Even then, the skipper was impressed. But when the system was installed, it marked a turning point. The technology allows crews to adjust the aspect and spread of the doors during a tow. According to Björnsson, this has been nothing less than “a total revolution”.
Control system improves efficiency
The skipper reports that the doors keep the trawl steady in turns and reduce gear mismatch, improving catch efficiency. They also allow lower engine revs in heavy currents, saving fuel while keeping the net well-aligned.
Björnsson adds that support from Thyborøn and Hampiðjan Ísland, which handled the purchase, has been excellent. “One phone call and help’s there,” he says.
With about 40 vessels worldwide now using the controllable doors, the Hákon’s experience highlights growing confidence in this Danish technology.