New super trawler Mekhanik Sizov gearing up for inaugural fishing expedition

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09/14/2023

Dmitrii Patrushev, Minister of Agriculture, and Ilya Shestakov, Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, paid a visit to the state-of-the-art super trawler Mekhanik Sizov on September 13, 2023. The vesses was delivered to its client, the Russian Fishery Company, at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg in late July. After completing its journey along the Northern Sea Route to Vladivostok, it is now ready to commence fishing operations.

On September 8, Mekhanik Sizov super trawler reached its home port of Vladivostok via the Northern Sea Route and is soon set to embark on field trials. The ST-192 design Mekhanik Sizov super trawler ranks among the world's most advanced fishing vessels. Vessels in this design are distinguished by their high performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Mekhanik Sizov is the third out of 10 such trawlers being built in Russia as part of the investment quota program aimed at a large-scale overhaul of the national fishing fleet. The vessel was named in honor of the esteemed veteran and engineer officer Vladimir Sizov, who dedicated over 30 years of his life to maritime work.

The vessel is designed for catching pollock and herring in the Bering Seas and Sea of Okhotsk. It is equipped with the latest specialized equipment. For instance, fish detection and trawling operations are conducted using hydroacoustic devices.

Moreover, Mekhanik Sizov is fitted with equipment for processing and freezing fish, as well as for its storage and transportation to port. Its processing capabilities allow for daily production of 60–80 tons of fish fillets, 80 tons of surimi mince, and 250 tons of fish feed meal.

Dmitrii Patrushev, Minister of Agriculture, praised the vessel's high-tech equipment and safety features, and familiarized himself with the crew's living and working conditions. In terms of its technical and operational features, the ST-192 vessel surpasses all other previously built fishing vessels of its class.

During their vessel tour, the visitors explored the central control station, advanced factory, cargo holds, medical facility, gym, lounge, and a large mess room. The crew of such vessels may reach up to 155 individuals during winter and 135 during summer. Five departments operate 24/7 on the vessel: general vessel, vessel mechanics, fishing and processing, along with the support staff.