By Beth David, Editor
The newest addition to New Bedford Harbor’s scallop fishing fleet, “Viking Power,” arrived in the city on Friday, 12/20/19, after traveling for 7 1/2 days from Alabama, where it was built.
The innovative bow shape is designed to cut through water with ease to give the crew a smoother ride and more stable work area.
Powered by its main engine, a Mitsubishi 1100HP, and twin John Deer 150Kw engines, the vessel holds 27,000 gallons of fuel and burns through about 700 gallons each day.
It can hold about 80,000 pounds of scallops, which, according to the crew is a near-impossible feat, but… just in case, right?
At 110 feet long by 30 feet wide, the boat hit 14.5 knots in the Gulf Stream, according to Capt. Martin Harris.
“But she cruises a comfy 11 knots,” he said.
The boat includes many features that are different and designed to streamline the work process and keep the fishing crew safer as they work.
Commissioned and owned by Lars Vinjerud, owner of Fleet Fisheries, the new addition was docked at Fish Island Bridge Terminal and open for viewing by the public on 12/21/19.
The boat should start fishing to earn its keep later this month.
According to news reports, Mr. Vinjerud said he did not have the final price, but believes it will be in the $5 million range, about 40% more than a typical scalloper.
-
- In this view of the Viking Power, New Bedford’s newest scallop boat, the innovative design of the bow is evident as it sits at the dock on 12/21/19 after arriving in port the day before. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Neighb News.
-
- The helm of the Viking Power, New Bedford’s newest scallop boat, showcases all the latest technology on 12/21/19 when it was open to the public after arriving in port the day before. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Neighb News.
-
- The Viking Power, New Bedford’s newest scallop boat, has an innovative design all around, as seen in this view from the stern as it sits at the dock on 12/21/19 after arriving in port the day before. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Neighb News.
-
- The engine room of the Viking Power, New Bedford’s newest scallop boat, is still clean and shiny on 12/21/19, after arriving in port the day before. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Neighb News.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 1/9/20 issue: 01-09-20 Plunge
