This content was published before 1 July 2021 by GIEK or Eksportkreditt Norge
The boat has been bought by Ålesund-based Sølvtrans AS, a leading well-boat shipping company. Well boats transport live fish in large tanks, called wells, from fish farms to processing facilities.

Improved efficiency

Following its christening on 30 April 2016, the “Ronja Challenger” immediately began its first assignment – a five-year contract with Marine Harvest in Scotland. The well boat, Sølvtrans’ nineteenth vessel, is a technological leader. “Its length of 70 metres and load capacity of some 1,800 m2 enable the “Ronja Challenger” to carry large volumes of fish efficiently. The boat is designed for the sorting and transportation of fish in closed wells, and thus allows fish to be transported live to processing facilities and slaughter. This boosts efficiency and saves the fish unnecessary stress, thereby preserving quality,” says Aas Mek. Verksted finance manager Sjur Olav Stakkestad.  

Fish monitoring

The boat is fitted with lights and underwater cameras for the monitoring of fish during loading and transportation. The “Ronja Challenger” also features a pressurised unloading system which uses overpressure or a vacuum pump to put fish ashore quickly and gently to maintain quality.

Maritime export financing

Export Credit Norway’s provision of financing is based on the fact that the boat will be deployed abroad under a five-year contract with Marine Harvest. In total, Export Credit Norway has provided NOK 150 million in loan financing. The loan has a maturity of 12 years, and is guaranteed by DNB Bank and Nordea bank (50% each). Stakkestad relates that Export Credit Norway was an important factor in the long-term financing of the new-build.
We are pleased that our collaboration with Export Credit Norway has proceeded so smoothly Sjur Olav Stakkestad, Aas Mek. Verksted
“We are pleased that our collaboration with Export Credit Norway has proceeded so smoothly. The company handled the entire process professionally and efficiently,” says Stakkestad. For more information, visit the Aas Mek. Verksted website. Photo: Aas Mek. Verksted.