Aquaculture Vessel Communication Systems for Napier’s Innovative Well Boats
Napier, in close collaboration with Mowi, is reshaping aquaculture logistics with two new advanced aquaculture vessels. Designed by Salt Ship Design and built at Sefine Shipyard in Turkey, these 70-meter well boats are equipped with integrated aquaculture vessel communication systems from Zenitel.
The first vessel, Tauroa, has already been delivered, while the second is still under construction. Together, they set a new standard for sustainable and efficient fish transport.
Concept and Technology – Innovation and Fish Welfare
These vessels differ significantly from traditional well boats. With fish welfare, biosafety, and efficiency at the core, they represent a new generation of aquaculture vessel communication systems working seamlessly alongside onboard processing technologies.
Each vessel is capable of processing and transporting up to 200 tons of salmon per hour, with storage tanks holding approximately 750 tons of fish during closed transport.
Key innovations include:
- Fish welfare: Immediate processing on board reduces handling and stress, resulting in higher product quality.
- Biosafety: Fully closed-loop systems eliminate the exchange of water with the environment, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
- Efficiency and sustainability: With a transport efficiency of 5.3 tons of fish per liter of diesel and the integration of land power during loading, each vessel is expected to save up to 200,000 liters of diesel annually.
Together with advanced processing technology from MMC and Baader, and research support from Sintef and Nofima, these well boats highlight how engineering and biological expertise can come together for more responsible aquaculture operations.
Values and Benefits
The project demonstrates the clear value of innovation in aquaculture transport:
- Improved fish welfare – healthier stock and superior product quality.
- Greater biosafety – closed transport significantly reduces infection risks.
- Sustainability gains – reduced emissions and energy use.
- Operational efficiency – higher processing capacity and optimized logistics.
This positions Napier and Mowi at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture.
Aquaculture Vessel Communication Systems – Zenitel’s Scope of Delivery
By delivering this integrated solution, Zenitel ensures that Napier’s well boats — both Tauroa and her sister vessel currently under construction — are equipped with robust, compliant, and future-ready aquaculture vessel communication systems.
- Public Address & General Alarm (PA/GA) System: Redundant SPA-V2 cabinets with amplifiers, UPS, alarm panels, loudspeakers (indoor, outdoor, and Ex-approved), and full zone coverage.
- Batteryless Telephone System: VSP main stations, headsets with boom microphones, and signal lights for clear two-way communication.
- Intercom & Intelligent Communication (ICX-500): Central communication server, IP master and turbine stations, industrial and Ex intercoms with headsets, and network integration.
- IP CCTV System: Network video recorder, marine monitors, joystick controls, dome and PTZ cameras (including stainless steel housings), and full cabling infrastructure.
- Sound Reception System (SR-8300 MkII): Reception unit and microphones to ensure safe navigation in limited visibility.
- Services and Documentation: Programming, commissioning, project documentation, and Green Passport/IHM compliance.
By delivering this integrated solution, Zenitel ensures that Napier’s new well boats are equipped with robust, compliant, and future-ready aquaculture vessel communication systems. The systems were delivered in close cooperation with NemoMarin, our trusted partner in Turkey, whose team is extensively trained on Zenitel solutions to ensure professional integration and long-term support.
We are proud to be a trusted partner in such forward-looking projects, enabling safer, smarter, and more sustainable aquaculture operations.