New Trawler for Argentine Family

With 4,989 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, Argentina looks to commercial fishing as an important contributor to the Argentinian economy. The promotion of the maritime resources is dependent on quality boats capable of delivering quality product. 

This spring just such a vessel joined the Argentine trawler fleet. The 20.8 by 6.6-meter FV Don Franco was designed and built by the Contessi Shipyard at Mar del Plata, Argentina’s largest fishing port 400 kilometers south of Buenos Aires. Owned by the Galeano family, the new vessel is classed by RINA and will replace their older boat the Galme I. The new trawler will make just under 10 knots with a 600 HP, six-cyliner Cummins KTA19-M main engine. At 1,800 RPM the engine will turn a propeller in a nozzle through a ZF 1800 marine geat with a 6:1 ratio. The nozzle will assure good power for towing a midwater trawl. The boat is also capable of being rigged for purse seining. The two gear types will allow for the catching of a wide variety of species including, besugo (sea bream), merluza (hake), bonito and anchovita.

Tankage in the 3.2-meter deep hull includes 20,500 liters of fuel and 4,000 liters of water. The vessel’s hold is a healthy 87 cubic meters. Accommodation is provided for up to ten fishermen. Auxiliaries for powering generators and hydraulics include a Cummins 6 CTA8.3G and a 4BT3.9-iiter Cummins. 

The launching of the FV Don Franco was accompanied by traditional and appropriate fanfare with sheets of sliver paper exploding over the vessel’s bow as she slipped down the ways to meet her natural element.