New beam trawler

The 38m Z-26, named Avanti, is the second vessel built to Damen Shipyards’ BT3808 design and spans the maximum length and tonnage allowed by Belgian maritime regulations.

Steve Depaepe, owner of Devan Shipping Company, took delivery of the vessel in Zeebrugge on 29 January. “As a 14-year-old boy, I already dreamed of a real Maaskant Beam Trawler,” he said.

“A new fishing cutter for our Flemish fleet gives young fishermen hope for a future at sea and inspires new childhood dreams. My captain and crew are eager to go to sea with this magnificent vessel, equipped for comfortable and safe fishing trips,” he added.

The hull was built and launched in Gdansk in Poland and then finished at the yard in Stellendam to Devan’s custom specification.

“Damen Maaskant modified the design together with SIP Marine to reduce fuel consumption and increase hauling power,” said project manager John van der Maas.

“The ship also has an imprinted anode system on board, ICCP, eliminating the need for anodes on the hull. This has the main effect of reducing drag. New and unique on this fishing cutter is the cold room instead of refrigerators for provisions,” he added.