`Frank Cori’ makes the fifteenth vessel Adelaide Ship Construction have launched on Australia Day, the nineteenth prawn trawler launched of this highly successful Peter James design and the fifty-fourth vessel delivered by the yard. It is worthy of note that this is the first “New Generation” ASCI prawn trawler to be built to work the Gulf of Saint Vincent, now giving the yard vessels working in both gulfs.

Following her predecessor from the yard, Steve and Robert Letinic’s `Marija L’, the Corriglianos decided to stick with the changes that had been incorporated carefully under the direction of Naval Architect Peter James.

Most notable is the bigger wheelhouse, and the increased flare in the bow. This provides improved clearance forward when anchoring, as well as improving the vessel’s sea keeping qualities, especially when working her way into a head sea. It keeps the decks drier and also gives more room in the cabins, which have been thoughtfully furnished for greater comfort and convenience, and it allows for the hinged seating of the fixed stay to the trawl boom.

In the well thought-out wheelhouse, the helm itself is sited amidships with a wraparound console containing interfaced, state-of-the-art plasma computer screens and providing ready accessibility to all controls and gauges. The radio and communications console is conveniently sited overhead and out of the way.

The Corrigliano family chose Quinn Marine to supply `Frank Cori’ with an impressive package of navigational aids and equipment, including an AP35 autopilot, a Kodan CVS-832 6.5″ colour sounder, a Simrad RA31 colour radar, and a Simrad CP44 10″ colour chart plotter.

A new type of stabiliser outrigger has been fitted, port and starboard, consisting of a steel pipe fitted with a backing bar and a steel circular plate at one end, supported with a pivoted block at the other end attached to the outboard end of the trawl boom, as fitted to `Marija L’. This has been found to be effective in reducing the rolling in adverse weather.

The main deck is enhanced by the provision of a separate toilet, a clean and functional separate bathroom, and extended storage space in the processing area.

The main engine is an N-14 Cummins keel cooled marine diesel rated at 268kW at 1,800rpm. She has a 6VT 5.9 Cummins auxiliary, and a Cummins 110kVA generator. The hydraulic drive is powered by a Cummins 6BT 5.9 engine rated at 112kW at 1,800rpm.ight

Refrigeration was supplied and installed by C M Heithersay from Port Adelaide, with two Bitzer rotary screw compressors with oil cooling and R507 refrigerant. These compressors return excellent performance, and are said to be proving superior to the reciprocating type at low temperatures, allowing them to drop the temperatures more quickly. All the pipe work, and many connections, are of stainless steel.

She carries in excess of 20 tonnes of frozen product, with the air blast snap freezer taking the 240 ten kilo boxes down to -45°C. The product can be unloaded directly through a hatch situated right above the cool room, utilising a small unloading boom on the port side.

The wheelhouse, and all accommodation, is bright and air conditioned, with the outstanding joinery and distinctive rich, dark Danta woodwork setting everything off in a truly traditional manner. The comfortable wheelhouse settee has been extended to allow its doubling as a skippers “day bed” when required.

‘Frank Cori’s complement will be accommodated within the fo’csle in three roomy two-man cabins. These cabins open into the attractive, modern, well appointed mess and galley, with its impressive Denon home entertainment system including two DVD players. The leather seating and upholstery gives a luxurious finish. The toilet, shower, and prawn packing area is located abaft the accommodation.

Maurice Corrigliano said he chose Adelaide Ship Construction International because of their reputation. Whilst the yard’s pricing structure, proven record and short delivery time, were all factors to consider, he considered their experience, professionalism and willingness to work with him to provide the vessel that he wanted, and for his specific needs, all equally important.

He had talked with the owners of the many ASCI prawn trawlers working in the other gulf, and was totally satisfied with their ability to build the right vessel, with strict and painstaking supervision and craftsmanship. He said further that he was totally satisfied with the new vessel, and would, without hesitation, recommend Adelaide Ship Construction International to any intending client.