The two Faroese fresh-fish pair trawlers Hamranes and Breiðanes are back in the Faroe Islands after a significant rebuild in Thyborøn, Denmark. The trawler’s home port is Hvalba, Faroe Islands.
The vessels, both 35 years old, have been given what their skipper calls a “total renewal,” reports Føroyska Heimamissiónin.
Skipper John Martin Poulsen of Hamranes said the work was essential. “The ships were worn down. Maintenance costs were rising. We saw no other choice but to do this,” he explained.
Significant upgrades to engines and gear
The refit included a complete change of the driveline. New main engines, gears and propellers have been installed, along with new nozzles and rudders. Winches for trawling and new ice machines have also been fitted.
“The old engines were too small. These new ones are 400 horsepower larger, with bigger propellers,” Poulsen said. “Our towing power rises from 17 to 26 tonnes. That is a big difference at sea.”
The hulls were also enclosed on the sides, sandblasted, and painted from the keel to the mast top. The holds were stripped and freshly coated.
Final touches before returning to fishing
The vessels are now lying at Runavík for the final details. The new winches and ice machines are being connected, along with other minor adjustments. Poulsen hopes the ships will be back at sea within days.
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“We aim to be ready for fishing before the week is over,” he said.
While the trawlers were in Denmark, other Faroese vessels had strong catches.
“The boats have taken a lot of fish while we were away, and they are still getting fish. We hope the good fishing will continue,” Poulsen added.
The extensive renewal marks a fresh chapter for two vessels that have served the Hvalba fleet well for decades.