The MS Leinebris is a strong example of what can be achieved through close collaboration between the shipowner, the ship designer, and Brunvoll as system supplier. It was the first fishing vessel equipped with a single pulling azimuth thruster as main propulsion, combined with a retractable combi tunnel/azimuth thruster and BruCon FishPilot, resulting in a vessel that is highly efficient during both low-speed manoeuvring and transit speeds.
Brunvoll offers individual propulsion and manoeuvring products that can be combined into complete, integrated systems suited to your fishing method, operational profile, and vessel-specific requirements. Our solutions include main propulsion units, thrusters, and control systems, with options such as Power Take-Out, Power Take-In, hybrid, and boost modes for optimal energy use and maximised bollard pull.
Traditionally, fishing vessels have been equipped with shaftline propulsion, consisting of a controllable pitch propeller paired with a reduction gearbox, and for good reason. This solution offers reliability, energy efficiency, and high bollard pull, making it well suited to demanding fishing operations.
Fishing vessels often spend long periods at sea and may need to cover large distances before reaching the fishing grounds. That makes dependable propulsion essential, especially when conditions are harsh and support is far away. Brunvoll systems are designed to deliver the reliability, and redundancy operators need when uptime matters most.
Learn more about the reduction gearbox that makes it all possible
Fishing operations often involve low-speed work such as searching, towing, deploying, and retrieving gear. In these phases, precise manoeuvring and strong low-speed control are critical for both efficiency and safety.
The retractable azimuth combi thruster has become an established solution in many fisheries because it provides the manoeuvrability needed both at sea and in port. In retracted position it functions as a tunnel thruster, while in lowered position it provides azimuth manoeuvring and propulsion. It can also support safe return to port if the main propeller becomes fouled by fishing gear or if a mechanical failure occurs.
Explore the benefits of the retractable azimuth combi thruster
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Some of Brunvoll's latest developments use our dynamic positioning expertise to create systems that help the captain focus more on fish finding and gear handling. BruCon FishPilot is designed to take over course, speed, or track control, depending on the operation, while improving safety, catch quality, and fuel efficiency.
FishPilot helps deliver steadier vessel behaviour, reduced accelerations, and more consistent operations during demanding fishing tasks. That means the crew can stay focused on the catch while the vessel handles the motion.
It's not always about building new vessels. Often, the best solution is to optimise what you already have and extend your vessel's lifetime. Brunvoll has extensive experience with retrofits, whether the goal is to enhance power efficiency, update electronics that have been discontinued, or ensure compliance with today's standards.
Examples of typical retrofits for fishing vessels include:
These upgrades let you improve reliability, efficiency, and operational performance without replacing the entire propulsion system.
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Sales Manager Retrofit, Brunvoll Volda AS
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