Optimar and Nordborg are developing the world’s most advanced pelagic factory deck
The freezer trawler Nordborg, owned by P/F Hvalnes of the Faroe Islands, is set to receive one of the world's most advanced pelagic factory decks. Optimar has been selected as the supplier of the fully automated onboard processing system, which will be installed at Mest Shipyard in the Faroe Islands.
This installation marks a major milestone for both Nordborg and Optimar, setting a new benchmark for efficient, sustainable, and automated seafood processing at sea.
The project is a result of a long and fruitful partnership between the two companies. Optimar delivered the first factory to Nordborg back in 2009. At the time, it was state-of-the-art. Now, 15 years later, they’re taking it even further.
– We’re combining our unique experience from land-based pelagic facilities with our specialized expertise in onboard production, says Jon-Åge Eidem, Sales Manager at Optimar.
Developed in close partnership with Nordborg
The new factory has been developed in close cooperation with the shipping company and will be installed on the 81-meter-long Nordborg. The system is fully automated – from sorting and freezing to packing and palletizing.
– This is a testament to Nordborg’s forward-thinking and ambitious approach, Eidem explains.
– For us, this investment is about staying ahead and ensuring that we deliver the highest possible quality to our markets. By working closely with Optimar, we know we’re getting technology that is proven, reliable, and tailored to our needs, says Hallstein Jacobsen, Technical Manager in P/F Hvalnes.
– The system can handle up to 200 tons per day of herring, mackerel, and blue whiting. It’s a seamless design that significantly reduces manual labor, improves product quality, and delivers major energy savings, Eidem adds.
Full traceability
The new solution ensures full control of product quality, catch time, species, and temperature through advanced traceability technology. Each product can be tracked from the catch to the finished product.
The factory also includes a newly developed horizontal freezer that significantly improves product quality. The fully automated line also improves crew safety and working conditions, ensuring ergonomic design, minimal heavy lifting, and advanced monitoring systems.
– I see this as a huge step forward in how we operate. The new factory will make our processes more efficient, safer for the crew, and better for the environment, says Jón Rasmussen, Skipper on board Nordborg.
– This is a major upgrade for Nordborg, 15 years after our first delivery. We truly value the trust and strong collaboration we’ve built over the years. Together, we’ve created a solution that not only meets current requirements – it sets a new global standard for pelagic processing at sea, Eidem says.
