Leading Journal of the Irish & UK Fishing Industries

Mooney Boats Ltd deliver a vessel for the future

The Atlantic Dawn Group welcomed the latest vessel to their fleet recently in a low key and socially distanced launch in Killybegs.

The MFV ELLA, named for the late Kevin Mc Hugh’s granddaughter Ella, was delivered to the McHugh family by Mooney Boats Ltd, Killybegs and is a shining example of the quality of shipbuilding and support services that have been established in the Donegal port over decades.

Designed by Ove Kristensen as a replacement vessel for the “Star of Hope” the hull was laid down in Latvia before being towed to Killybegs for a complete fit out by Mooney Boats and a host of local companies. Such is the high standards and range of expertise available locally, all the main engine, hydraulic,refrigeration, machinery and trawl systems were sourced from Irish suppliers.

‘Ella’ is arguably one of the best-looking vessels in her class. The Ella’s sweeping bow to stern lines and wheelhouse lip has been designed in such a way to complement her three bigger 64m sisters’ ships MFV Veronica, Lauren & Leila which are currently under construction.

The Ella’s modern lines not only offer complementing looks but also practicalities such as the enhanced visibility out of the arching wheelhouse windows. 

The vessels internal layout has been pre-designed three dimensionally by Mooney Boats Ltd Design team to comfortably accommodate the latest technologies while allowing owners to virtually walk-through and review layouts and finishes prior to fit out. 

Ella’s propulsion is driven by a  Mitsubishi, S12R-(Z3)MPTAW main engine coupled to a Nogva Heimdal  HG510 2PTOCR Marine Gearbox and a  Nogva Heimdal  K600 4 bladed 2780mm CP-Propeller.

Auxillary engines are also Mitsubishi with a S4SDT 40kva Harbour set and S6B3-MPTAW Hydraulic set. The electrical system is powered by a John Deere WDJ140 genset. All engines and systems were supplied and fitted by Padmos Ireland.

The trawl deck is fitted out with a complete trawling system and deck machinery from SeaQuest and fish can be bagged or pumped onboard from the starboard quarter. 

KER Group designed and installed the refrigeration system for Ella. 

The accommodation deck was designed for maximum crew comfort with 3 Two Berth Cabins,1 Skipper Cabin C/w Ensuite, Main Toilet, Shower Room , Deck Toilet,Galley, Walk In Freezer Room, Mess & Tv Lounge, Oilskin store,Workshop and the Electrical Room 

As accustomed with Mooney Boats Ltd Vessels, the accommodation is finished to the highest standards. Expertly crafted bespoke timber furniture can be found throughout the living quarters which have been brought into the 21st century with the use of accessible charging ports, modern LED strip lighting, Mooney’s distinctive tv and mess seating, underfloor heating, air conditioning and innovative storage solutions. 

Upon completion of the fit out ELLA received a complete painting by GMC Painting  and was fitted with her safety gear by Atlantic Marine.

The Ella will target mainly pelagics with a range of trawl gear supplied by two Killybegs netmakers and land their catches to Arctic Fish Ltd.

Swannet-Gundry (SNG) provided a  Swan 35*20fm Guider Herring Trawl with new SNG Guider design concept incorporated into the frontend wing panels and 2 SWAN 28 Codends with Dynice Handle System (DHS). Also supplied were SNG Rigging Solutions, Trawl Bridles, Codend Splitters and Lines and a Trawl Lifeline.

KT Nets Ltd designed and supplied a 44 x39 Mackerel/Scad midwater trawl. They also supplied a 39 x 33 Tuna net to used on the Ella’s maiden trips along with various chandlery. 1600 metres of22 mm Bridon Dyform Warp from KT Nets was also chosen by the owners for its strength and durability.

The Mooney Family & Mooney (Boats) Ltd Management & Staff would like to thank the McHugh family for choosing our shipyard for the construction of their new vessel “Mfv Ella”. We would like to pass on our “Very Best Wishes” to the Mc Hugh Family and the Crew of the “Mfv Ella” and may they have many years safe fishing for into the future.

Upon completion of the fit out ELLA received a complete painting by GMC Painting  and was fitted with her safety gear by Atlantic Marine.

The Ella will target mainly pelagics with a range of trawl gear supplied by two Killybegs netmakers and land their catches to Arctic Fish Ltd.

Swannet-Gundry (SNG) provided a  Swan 35*20fm Guider Herring Trawl with new SNG Guider design concept incorporated into the frontend wing panels and 2 SWAN 28 Codends with Dynice Handle System (DHS). Also supplied were SNG Rigging Solutions,

Trawl Bridles, Codend Splitters and Lines and a Trawl Lifeline.

KT Nets Ltd designed and supplied a 44 x39 Mackerel/Scad midwater trawl. They also supplied a 39 x 33 Tuna net to used on the Ella’s maiden trips along with various chandlery. 1600 metres of22 mm Bridon Dyform Warp from KT Nets was also chosen by the owners for its strength and durability.

The Mooney Family & Mooney (Boats) Ltd Management & Staff would like to thank the McHugh family for choosing our shipyard for the construction of their new vessel “Mfv Ella”. We would like to pass on our “Very Best Wishes” to the Mc Hugh Family and the Crew of the “Mfv Ella” and may they have many years safe fishing for into the future.

 

KER Group designed, supplied and installed the following equipment on-board the new MFV “Ella”

  • 275Kw R134a RSW system
  • Complete Vacuum Pump system, 2000ltr tank 
  • BUUS 3 tonne flake Ice Machine c/w Bitzer condensing unit
  • Fish hold chilling, stainless steel evaporators c/w Bitzer sea water cooled condensing unit
  • Air conditioning 
  • Cold room (food provisions)

RSW System 

275KW RSW system on R134a gas. System fully installed by KER Group, circulating pump and condenser pump and associated pipework supplied and installed. Polyurethane manifold manufactured and installed in RSW room to control chilled water and distribution to all fish tanks. The system is controlled by a PLC, this was designed and programmed by KER Group. 

Vacuum pump system 

KER Group Vacuum pump system, include 1 x Samson Ocean Master vacuum pump c/w stainless steel casing for longevity. 2000ltr vacuum tank c/w inspection hatch and rubber flap unit. All necessary 12” stainless steel piping to each fish tank and delivery pipework to main deck. Vacuum system includes a blow back system. Controlled by PLC, designed and programmed by KER Group. 

BUUS Ice Machine 

3 Tonne per day, salt or fresh water ice machine, complete with Bitzer condensing unit and Azcue pump. Ice machine produces flake ice for use during white fishing. 

Fish hold chilling

Fish hold chilling in all fish tanks. KER Group manufactured the complete evaporator from stainless steel piping, approx. 1,000 meters. The vast quantity of piping increases surface area and allows for increased refrigeration duty, offering our client’s optimum fish hold temperatures for their fish. 

Air conditioning 

KER supplied and installed a full heating and cooling air conditioning system throughout the accommodation, galley and wheelhouse areas. 

Cold room (food provisions) 

The new MFV Ella came with space for a walk-in freezer off the Galley area. KER Group, sheeted the room, installed fiberglass, on the floor, walls and ceiling, to allow for ease of cleaning and durability. Installed the refrigeration system to cool the area and installed a stainless steel food rack along with a custom pedestrian door finished in stainless steel.  

KER Group Installed all above systems including, all copper, stainless steel, mild steel, polyurethane piping. All necessary coded welding for refrigeration piping. Complete electrical installation, electrical control cabinets manufactured in house and installed on board.

All systems set up and commissioned, by KER Group.

Barry Electronics Ltd was responsible for the complete installation of all the acoustic equipment, navigation equipment and communication equipment on board the new ELLA.

  • Furuno FAR-1518 BB Radar
  • Furuno FAR1513 BB Radar
  • Furuno FSV-25 Low Frequency Sonar
  • Furuno FSV84 Med/High Frequency Sonar
  • Furuno FCV-1900L Broadband Echo Sounder connected to CM599LHG Broadband Transducer
  • Simrad ES-80 38/200kHz Echo Sounder with Combi D transducer
  • JRC JFV130 50kHz Net Sounder
  • Marport M3 Catch / Tunnel / Door Sensor Receiver
  • Marport Catch Sensors
  • Marport Trawl Door Sensors
  • Marport Trawl Tunnel Sensor
  • Sodena Chart Plotting Systems with Western Europe Charts
  • c/w ARPA, AIS and Tidal Streams                                                                              
  • Max Sea TZ Professional Electronic Charting System
  • c/w ARPA, AIS and Weather Forecasting and Radar Overlay
  • 3 x 55” Neovo Monitors connected to 3 x 4 ways AVI Tech Matrix Systems
  • Furuno GP-170 GPS Navigator Type Approved
  • Furuno GP-33 GPS Navigator
  • Simrad AP-70 Autopilot System
  • FU80 Follow Up Lever
  • Autopilot Watch Keeping Alarm 
  • 2 x Furuno SC-70 Satellite Compass for Heading and GPS
  • GMDSS Area A2
  • Furuno FS 1575 150W Integrated MF/HF DSC Radio
  • Sailor 6215 GMDSS DSC VHF
  • Jotron 60S EPIRB
  • Jotron Tron AIS-SART.
  • Furuno NX-700-B Navtex Receiver.
  • 2 x Icom IC-GM1600E GMDSS Approved Handhelds
  • Victron GMDSS Battery Charger
  • Victron GMDSS Battery Monitoring Panel
  • PR300 Power Supply Unit
  • Furuno FA170 AIS Identification System
  • BEL Internet @ Sea VSAT System and Wi Fi Points.
  • IP High Definition CCTV System with 9 HD Cameras
  • Phonetech 3100 10 Channel Intercom System
  • Furuno LH-5000  External Talkback System
  • Cobham Sailor Fleet One for Back up Communications
  • Car Radio in wheelhouse
  • SeaTel ST60 60cm Satellite TV System

GEMS were very excited to get the call to build the switchboards for the new FV Ella, especially since this was the first major project carried out for Mooney Boats.

Gems was established in 1998 by George McCormick initially to provide shore support to the local fishing fleet in Greencastle and beyond.

 “With space on board Ella being at a premium, the biggest challenge was to fit all the required equipment into the switchboard and yet leave access to the main parts for future maintenance or replacement. I’m quite pleased with the final product. I believe the vessel has an extremely robust electrical system which will give many years of trouble free operation”. George said.

GEMS are fast becoming a main player in the marine generator and control system market with a large stock of genset engines and complete generators available ex works.

Affordable synchronising systems are also tailor made for each vessel with all design and manufacture carried out “in house” at their premises in Greencastle. GEMS can also offer advice, in confidence, to any vessel owner as to their options when considering the electrical system for their vessel.

The core skills of the business are Electrical system design along with the manufacture and commissioning of marine generators and control systems.

Having worked on a number of large scale international ship building projects, the aim of the company is to now apply and integrate that knowledge to the design of modern day fishing vessels. 

Feel free to contact them at any stage via the website, www.gems-ltd.com.

SeaQuest Systems were awarded the contract for the complete supply of deck equipment to MFV Ella. As part of supply for this project the equipment included:

  • 20t Trawl Winches
  • 20t Top-Line Winch
  • 20t Net Drums
  • 15t Mid-Line Winch
  • 15t Tail-Line Winch
  • 6t Gilson Winch
  • 1.5t @ 7mtr Powerblock Crane
  • SeaQuest 14″ Fish Pump
  • 2t Net Sounder Winch
  • SeaQuest Hyd. Hose Reel
  • SeaQuest 14″ Pump-Thru Fish Hose Reel
  • Main & Fish Pump Hydraulic Systems
  • Wheel House Control Panels & Crane Radio Control System