Safetrawl
Safetrawl is a project to create a device to reduce the risk of capsizing of beam trawlers. The system continuously monitors the vessel’s stability and provides visual and audible warnings once a predetermined threshold has been exceeded.
Why
Some beam trawlers under 24m have only 10% of the righting moments of larger ships under some conditions. 1.4% of the Belgian fleet have been involved in a serious accident and on average there are 0.6 capsizes a year. The stability of fishing vessels is considerably decreased by asymmetric scenarios caused by the loading and movement of the beams. Capsizing scenarios develop quickly, therefore it’s important to continuously monitor stability and be able to respond to hazardous situations as quickly as possible.
How
Together with faculteit productontwikkeling van de Universiteit Antwerpen and with help from PREVIS we have developed a device which alarms on the bridge once the decrease in stability has exceeded a predetermined threshold. This threshold is specific for each boat and is calculated using a calculator developed by Antwerp Maritime Academy.
Successful closing event SafeTrawl
Closing event: New technology increases safety on board beam trawlers
On 24 September, the InnovOcean building in Ostend hosted the closing event of the SafeTrawl project, an initiative within the OVIS programme aimed at improving safety on board beam trawlers. The key message? Stability on board should not be overlooked.
During the event, the results of the research project were presented and attendees were given an exclusive look at the new SafeTrawl device. This innovative instrument warns the boatmaster when the stability of the vessel threatens to fall below a critical limit due to fishing operations – a crucial warning that can save lives.
Around thirty interested parties – including shipowners, boatmasters and technical experts – listened attentively to the explanation of the importance of the device. Its strength lies in its simplicity: SafeTrawl makes stability visible in a completely new and understandable way, so that the boatmaster knows immediately when action is required.
The evening continued with a technical explanation of installation and use, followed by a live demonstration. Practical data was also shared from the three ships on which the system is already operational. The interactive question and answer session sparked lively discussions, and the positive reactions were clear: enthusiasm was high.
Over drinks and snacks at the end of the event, concrete agreements were even made for new installations. SafeTrawl seems ready for a broader roll-out within the sector – and that is good news for every boatmaster who considers safety a top priority.
Safer fishing starts with visibility and stability. SafeTrawl gives that control back to the bridge.
More info: ovisvzw.be or werner.jacobs@hzs.be
Onderzoekers
Dr. Werner Jacobs
AMA, Sustainable Transport