April 8, 2001, saw Adelaide Ship Construction International (ASCI) launch its latest 22 metre prawn trawler, ‘Lukina”, for Lukin Fisheries of Port Lincoln.

Lukin Fisheries were impressed with the number of ASCI 22 metre New Generation prawn trawlers working in the fishery, but more importantly, by the satisfaction of the owners and operators of these vessels, and the reputation they had gained.

They chose to power the vessel with a Caterpillar package, having a long and satisfactory association with Caterpillar, and liking their proven economy – so important with rising fuel prices. Also swinging the decision to Caterpillar were the ease of maintenance, and accessibility.

The main engine is a Caterpillar 3408C V8 marine diesel rated at 365 horsepower at 1,800rpm fitted with a 6:1 reduction Twin Disc gearbox. Propulsion is effected by a 1,800mm diameter Veem fixed pitch propeller within a nozzle.

Auxiliary power is provided by two Caterpillar 3056TA series in-line six cylinder generator sets rated at 100kVA each. The auxiliary hydraulic drive is provided by a Caterpillar 3056T series engine rated at 160 horsepower at 2,400rpm. The highly respected South Australian company CE &A supplied the keyless rudder carrier bearing and tiller arm assembly.

With the combined advantages in speed, stability and economy gained from the distinctive bulbous bow, the vessel provides a superbly stable and agile working platform.

A 50 horsepower Wesmar side thruster gives the vessel additional manoeuvrability.

The engine room layout is clean, well lit, and spacious with adequate room for maintenance, and service work.

All winches and hydraulics, including the single centrally located console for all deck gear mounted abaft to the wheelhouse, were provided by EBM Engineering from Port Adelaide.

Refrigeration is supplied and installed by Heighersay 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. All the pipe work is stainless steel, and the low temperature evaporators are fitted with Danfoss electronic TX valves.

‘Lukina’ carries in excess of 20 tonnes of frozen product, with the air blast snap freezer taking the 240 ten kilogram boxes down to -40ºC.

The vessel was equipped with a state-of-the-art Haldane sorting machine and hopper on her arrival at Port Lincoln, allowing the prawns to be graded into seven sizes. The machine is both easy to operate, and has been constructed in such a manner as to optimise the working space on deck, with the advantage of two articulated side tables that allow for a rapid and efficient catch return, as well as folding into a compact unit when not in use, maximising available working room on deck.

The wheelhouse, and all accommodation, is air conditioned, with the distinctive Nyata woodwork, for which the yard is now renown, setting everything off in a traditional and seaman like manner.

The electronic equipment was provided by Taylor Marine of Port Lincoln and includes a Furuno FR 7112 daylight viewing radar with a range of 72 nautical miles, Furuno colour sounder, two GPS GP-31 Navigators, a Furuno colour sounder, two GPS GP-31 Navigators, a Furuno 12″ colour plotter, a Coursemaster CM650 BC autopilot, KV Gyro Trac compass and a TMQ plotter with joystick.

The wheelhouse layout offers excellent all-round vision and ease of control whilst working, with essential instrumentation and the skipper’s chair located on the starboard side, and with the radios mounted out of the way in an overhead console. A large traditional wooden steering wheel further enhances the appearance.

The crew of four are accommodated within the fo’csle in three roomy two-man cabins, adjacent to the functional, modern, well appointed mess and galley, with its impressive Denon home entertainment system and superior finish. Again the Nyata woodwork, combined with the blue upholstery, gives warmth and a nice finishing touch.

The prawn packing area is located abaft the accommodation.

Lukin Fisheries was impressed with the crew at ASCI with their competence and unique ability to bond the aluminium superstructure to the steel deck and hull, giving the combined advantage of strength with reduced overall weight. The resulting vessel has attractive clean lines, and every boost modern technology can give in the battle to remain competitive in today’s marketplace.