23 Sept 2014
INNOVATIVE TRAWLS MADE FROM DYNEEMA® HELP TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PELAGIC FISHING
The Netherlands, 23 September 2014 - Fishing Company Cornelis Vrolijk, based in IJmuiden, The Netherlands, and its subsidiary Jaczon, based in Scheveningen, The Netherlands, are specialized in pelagic fishing. The fishing trawls on board of their trawlers, which are used for catching pelagic (schooling) species, are traditionally made of nylon. Cornelis Vrolijk and Jaczon are now replacing their nylon trawls by trawls made from DSM’s light and exceptionally strong UHMwPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) fiber, branded as Dyneema®.
The use of this far thinner material in pelagic trawls offers immediate and tangible environmental advantages. The reduced resistance of the trawls in the water translates into a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, thus reducing the CO2 footprint of the pelagic fishing fleet. In this way Dyneema® makes a substantial contribution to improving the overall sustainability of the fishing industry.
The innovative trawls made from Dyneema® were developed by Maritiem BV in Katwijk, The Netherlands, in close consultation with DSM. Around 90% of the trawl material is Dyneema®. During both the design and use of the trawls, Maritiem worked closely with the relevant departments of both fishing companies and with the officers on board the vessels.
Dyneema® fiber is used in hand-spliced front sections of the trawls, from mesh size 800 mm and up. According to Maritiem some of these sections were previously made of knotted netting, but the knots were prone to slip. This does not happen with hand-spliced trawls. Dyneema® can be used for these sections. Dyneema® is also used for the selvedge lines and the frame ropes.
In order to allow for a proper comparisons, identical trawls made of predominantly conventional materials such as nylon, were also carried on board some of the vessels. This made it possible to compare the performance of the different materials used in trawls of an identical design. The fishing company's assessment of the new trawls was extremely positive.
Eric Roeleveld, Operations Manager of Jaczon says: “As a company specialized in pelagic trawling, we are profoundly aware of the environmental impact of our activities. One of our key drivers is to continuously look for increased sustainability in our fishing methods. We try to reduce our CO2 footprint wherever possible and support the FAO code of conduct for sustainable fisheries.”
Cornelis Vrolijk and Jaczon now have eight of the trawls made with Dyneema® in use. The size and shape of the trawls depends on the targeted species, fishing area and the dimensions of the vessel.
The newly developed trawls offer a number of specific benefits in comparison to traditional nylon versions. The lighter material makes them easier to handle and therefore safer in use for the crew.
Feedback on the new fishing trawls has been favorable: “Positive results are coming in from all quarters.” says Johan Müller, Cornelis Vrolijk’s Fishing Fleet Manager, “We can also confirm a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and subsequent CO2 emissions.”
As well as easier, safer use and savings on fuel, the development of lightweight fishing trawls has brought about a major improvement in sustainable fishing techniques. “This is good for the environment and good for the fishing industry.” says Johan Müller. “We would definitely encourage other fishing companies to adopt this strategy and the use of this new material as well.”
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About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.
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Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 24,500 employees deliver annual net sales of around €10 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.
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