September 11, 2023
Digital Render of the Austral Odyssey
MEDIA RELEASE | 11th September, 2023
Austral Fisheries Commissions New Cutting-Edge Vessel, ‘Austral Odyssey’
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - Austral Fisheries (Austral), one of Australia’s largest fishing companies, has announced its commissioning of a cutting-edge deep-sea longlining vessel named Austral Odyssey. The new vessel is designed by Marin Teknikk and will be built by the shipyard Baatbygg AS, both headquartered in Norway. The project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2025.
The build of the Austral Odyssey represents another significant milestone for Austral Fisheries. It is the company’s second newbuild in five years, following the completion of the Cape Arkona in 2020, a project also overseen by Baatbygg AS. At 68.55m LOA, the Odyssey will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced vessels of its kind. Austral Odyssey’s design incorporates the cumulative knowledge and experience of its owners, designers, and builders, and with the vessel destined for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified Heard Island & McDonald Islands toothfish fishery, it is set to face some of the world’s harshest fishing conditions.
“We’re incredibly excited to again partner with Baatbygg AS for this build, and to welcome Marin Teknikk onboard as the designers of this amazing project,” said David Carter, Austral CEO. "The commitment to build this vessel is another historic moment in Austral’s 50-year journey. Fishing sustainably and in ways that mitigate environmental impacts above and below the water has never been more important. This project is a testament to that and to the hard work of countless Austral people over time, and a demonstration of shareholder confidence in the future of our Glacier 51 Toothfish brand.”
Kjell-Inge Sjaastad, Baatbygg CEO, shared David’s sentiments. ‘We are proud and honored to be working with Austral Fisheries on another amazing newbuild project. This confirms our well-established relationship and Baatbygg`s position as a reliable supplier and partner. This is also an acknowledgement of the fantastic work that has been performed by our team through many years,” Sjaastad said.
Austral’s Southern Fleet General Manager, Theo Verios, was part of the Cape Arkona project and will spend time between Australia and Norway throughout the build of the new Austral Odyssey. “The design’s state-of-the-art features are in place to optimise efficiencies for fishing in all conditions, while setting a new standard for sustainable fishing practices, crew comfort and safety. We look forward to welcoming her to our fleet.” said Verios.
The Austral Odyssey’s advanced energy-saving hybrid propulsion system features an integrated load shaving battery package and 2-step gear box, which Austral Fisheries says will curb emissions and further improve fuel efficiency. The design also includes increased tank capacity to accommodate the potential for future less energy-dense renewable fuels, such as methanol. In addition to innovations in design and efficiency, the Austral Odyssey will be equipped for value-added production of the company’s premium MSC-certified Glacier 51 Toothfish brand at sea. The Austral Odyssey is expected for delivery by Q4 in 2025.
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Media Contact: Sam Pullman, [email protected]
See next page for additional information.
Additional Information
Digital Render of the Austral Odyssey, View #2
Image Use Credit: Austral Fisheries
About Austral Fisheries
Austral Fisheries is one of Australia’s largest integrated commercial fishing companies, operating in Australia’s Northern Prawn Fishery, Northern Territory Demersal Snapper Fishery, and the sub-Antarctic ‘HIMI’ Patagonian Toothfish and Icefish fishery. Austral was the fishing industry’s first supporter of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in 1997, and the first seafood business in the world to achieve carbon neutral certification in 2016 under the Australian Government’s ‘Climate Active’ Standard. Austral is owned in partnership between Kailis Fisheries Holdings, Australia, and Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Japan.
About Baatbygg AS
With over 80 years in operation, Baatbygg has positioned itself as one of Norway's leading shipyards for conversion, repairs, newbuilds, and maintenance of vessels within the fishing, offshore, research, salmon farming and ferry industries.
About Marin Teknikk
Marin Teknikk has built its reputation as a premier vessel design company since 1981. The company is headquartered in Norway and offers a range of services including newbuild vessel design, marine computing design, project management, vessel assessments, and testing.
Origins of the Name, Austral Odyssey
The name ‘Austral Odyssey’ symbolises Austral’s adventured-filled journey from small beginnings through to the exploration of the vast Southern Ocean and beyond. It signifies both the voyage into these most-challenging waters, as well as Austral’s deep commitment to responsible fishing practices, ending illegal fishing, and the future of sustainable seafood.