M/S VONAR - "we are most satisfied with our Mustad Autoline E-Line system, the follow-up and the service!"
We have a close cooperation with Mustad Autoline that goes way back in time and we were never in doubt about our choice of equipment and supplier. When Mustad introduced the new electrically powered E-Line system, we were ready, says Bjartmar Finnøy.
The installation of the new autoline equipment was carried out as expected with necessary supervision from the Mustad team. We felt taken good care of. The Mustad service team were actually praised for being professional by the electrical company working here in connection with the installation 🙂
It’s reassuring for us as a customer that Mustad Autoline has a very capable service team and that they are on hand when the need arises.

The commissioning and test trip went well, and we have now been in operation for almost four months and three, close to four trips at sea. Not a stop or an interruption in fishing.
Our only comment is the construction of the hook cleaner, which is to be improved. We have discussed this together with the Mustad R&D department at Gjøvik and a change of construction is underway for testing.
The first immediate difference between the hydraulically driven autoline system and the electric system is the smooth hauling and the noise level on board. The difference is huge. The smooth and stable hauling means that we lose less fish off the hooks.
We have not calculated fuel savings and the effect of the improved hauling process yet, but we estimate a reduction of fuel consumption of 50 ton a year, and in addition catch a bit more fish in less fishing days.
From an environmental point of view, it’s obvious that we use less oil and reduce the risk of oil spills. The reduced noise level improves the working environment on board. It is simply cleaner and easier to handle, says Hans, the chief engineer on board.
There’s no doubt that electrically powered systems are the future. I assume that all new-buildings henceforth will choose to go for this solution.
We are most satisfied with the equipment and the follow-up and service offered by Mustad Autoline concludes Bjartmar.
Greetings from Bjartmar Finnøy and Hans Jakob Johansen
ALBIUS / SAPMER fishing with E-Line for toothfish in the Antarctic Sea
The Albius just returned from sea after testing the newly installed 100% electric fishing equipment in normal operations. “It is an innovative system, and the Albius is the first antarctic longliner equipped with this electric autoline system. The hydraulic version generates a lot of noise. This new equipment is silent and much more confortable for the crew. The 100% electric operation also provides a high level of flexibility. The electric control system allows a more stabel hauling process and lowers the risk of breaking the line. Our autoline fishing operations are now optimized”, explains Pascal Wallaert, Head of the Antarctic Pole at SAPMER.
The longliners Ile Bourbon, Albius, Mascareignes 3 and Cap Horn all belonging to SAPMER, operating not far from the 40th Rugissants and 50th Hurlants catching toothfis, have been equipped with automated line fishing equipment since their launch. It is only natural that SAPMER’s operational team approached Mustad in 2021 to collaborate on the new electric version of the fishing gear installed and tested on the Albius.
Sapmer plans to renew its longline fleet in the coming years. “We want to ensure the best possible design for our future toothfish longliners. The integration of an electric autoline system is part of this plan, – for the comfort and safety of the crew of course, but also to fight against depredation and to optimize the fishing process independant of fishing ground and weather conditions. adds Pascal Wallaert.

Very satisfying tests
The Albius is the first longliner of its kind to be equiped with an electric autoline system for fishing toothfish. The expectations were hign on both the SAPMER team and the Mustad Autoline team. “All precautions were taken before the vessel left for its first trip fishing for toothfish. «Our vessels are out fishing between 60 and 80 days in a row, all alone and far from the shore. We can’t afford to be negligent about the quality of the fishing equipment” explains Patrick Perron, Captain of the Albius. “The results of this test were beyond our expectations,” he adds. The equipment performed well and met with the expectations of the crew, the captain and the management. Conclution; good for hearing health and safety, synchronized and smooth operations when fishing, more sensitive reaction to the vessel’s movements results in more accurate tension control and tighter lines when hauling. This lower the risk of losing fish and of breaking the line.
Press release from SAPMER published 02.06.23
HandyMag storage system: smart, space-saving design for storage of hooks and line
We have the capacity to set and haul up to 7,000 hooks per day. Initially, we operate with a crew of two to three people, but as we refine our processes and incorporate best practices, we streamline operations to a two-person crew. The Coastal HandyMag storage system is specifically designed for smaller boats, typically around 30 feet (9–10 meters). Hooks and lines are stored in one-meter magazines and manually retrieved during setting and hauling. This system is both space-efficient and user-friendly, making it easy to operate even on compact vessels.
For short periods, we also fish for crab. The Autoline system is installed in a way that allows for quick and seamless reconfiguration, making it easy to switch between different fisheries, such as crab fishing.
Catch and season
Our catch includes haddock, halibut, catfish, and bream, in addition to cod. With our new equipment, we can now operate a longline fishery year-round.
“I’m optimistic about the future” says Morten Gressmyr, Vadsø.
The toothfish vessel "Cap Kersaint" fishing with Mustad Autoline Deep Sea System
We are very satisfied with the new Mustad Autoline equipment. We have installed the SuperBaiter and the Hauler 3200 that makes this system even more efficient and faster than the previous one. We are also very happy with the MagPacker storage system.
How do you find the customer service at Mustad Autoline? The commercials and service team are always available. We are in contact on regular basis, and when we have questions they are ready to assist us. They work close to the client and are always open for discussion at any time.
Mr. Jean Pierre Kinoo

Mustad Autoline EHF to take over distribution of fishing nets from Neptunus EHF
Neptunus, who was founded and managed by Björn Halldorson, has been one of the leading forces on the Icelandic fishing net market since 1974. The mission of Neptunus to make the use of gillnets as simple as possible, has set its strong footprint on the Icelandic net fishing community with its patented invention of pipe nets. Björn has for over 40 years shown an incredible dedication and passion for delivering innovative solutions and high-quality products to the fishing industry.
Björn will join Mustad Autoline as an advisor, and Siggi—Mustad Autoline’s Iceland Sales Manager—will become the customers main contact person. We are honored to have Björn, with his unmatched dedication and passion for fishing nets, join our team.
For any questions, please reach out to siggi@mustadautoline.com / +354 664 1621
Who will be elected Norway's smartest industrial company 2023? Mustad Autoline is among the three finalists!
Competition in international industry is fierce, especially for companies in a high-cost country like Norway. Nevertheless, Norwegian industrial companies have shown time and time again that we claim to be among the very best. Digitization has seriously swept the industry today. In the constant race to offer competitive solutions and make a difference, it is not enough just to be good. Norwegian industrial companies must also look up, recognize the opportunities and invest in cost-effective, smart solutions.
Egersund Group and Mustad Autoline strengthen their cooperation
After experiencing a positive development in these companies the parties have agreed to expand the proven to be good cooperation.
Mustad Autoline’s department stores and trading activities towards the coastal fleet in Norway (Havservice), the snow crab business from both Egersund Trål AS and Mustad Autoline AS merges with Nordkapp Marinservice AS and becomes Egersund & Mustad Havservice AS.
The new company, Egersund & Mustad Havservice AS will be present with sales offices in Egersund and Bergen, Havservice department stores in Breivika in Ålesund, Myre in Vesterålen, Honningsvåg and Båtsfjord in Finnmark as well as a warehouse on Skjervøy in Troms.
By this merge, we are strategically located from Egersund to Båtsfjord and considerably strengthened to ensure we serve all fishermen needs including the snow crab fleet, says Jarle Mong and Anders Frisinger
Watch more at: emhavservice.no
For further information please contact;
Anders Frisinger, CEO Mustad Autoline and chairman of Nordkapp Marinservice as, mob. +47 95972206 or Mr. Jarle Mong, chairman Egersund Trål as, mob. 95443878