E-Line Coastal system; Feedback from skipper and owner Ólafur Einarsson, Øksnes, Norway – Autoline vessel Einar (25,000 hooks)
Skipper and vessel owner Ólafur Einarsson from Øksnes shares his experience after upgrading his autoline vessel Einar with the E-Line Coastal system.
“We switched to the E-Line PLS control system, hook separator, and baiting machine about a year ago.
Our experience has been very positive. The system runs smoothly and quietly, without the need for hydraulics or oil, and with lower maintenance costs compared to the old hydraulic system.
The ability to set the exact bait size makes it possible to optimize operations and reduce bait consumption, as every hook is baited precisely and consistently each time.
Also, we can set with more speed than before, and with much better baiting when the boat speeds up and "runs with the big waves".
Previously, with the hydraulic system, we set at 5.5 knots, but now with the electric machine we set at 6.5–7 knots and achieve 98% baiting.
We have also received excellent follow-up and support from the Mustad Autoline service team throughout the year.
I am very satisfied and can truly recommend converting to electric machines and the new control system – this is the future!”
E-Line AutoBaiter – Mustad Autoline
https://vimeo.com/1136882479
Next stop North Atlantic Fish & Workboat Show, Canada November 14 - 15
Booth #209 at Mary Brown's Center
November 14 - 15
Next stop Pacific Marine Expo, Seattle November 20 - 22
Booth #629 at Lumen Field Event Center, Seattle, WA November 20 - 22
Next stop DanFish in Aalborg, Denmark 7 - 9 October
Booth H973 at Aalborg Kongres og Kultursenter, Denmark 7–9 October 2025
Next stop BlueFish in Ålesund, Norway 2 - 4 September
Booth D2.4 at Sparebanken Møre Arena in Ålesund, Norway 2–4 September 2025
HAUGE JR; "The gutting and heading machine has become essential to our onboard operations" - Even Hauge, Hauge Kystfiske AS, Norway
We rely on the Havfront machine – it’s become essential on board
Even Hauge from Hauge Kystfiske AS, operating the 14.99m gillnetter Hauge Junior, shares his experience:
“We’ve become completely dependent on the Havfront Loppa heading and gutting machine on board. I bought my first Loppa in 2018, and there was no doubt I would choose the same machine for our new vessel in 2020.
We mainly use it for ling, tusk, haddock, saithe, and pollack. The machine processes fish twice as fast over a long haul and never gets tired – the crew finish the day without sore shoulders or arms.
We really appreciate the adjustable cutting length, and while everything has a cost, sick leave costs more – and we’ve had very little of that.
Tip: It’s worth designing the setup to include conveyor belts and other systems to make the workflow on board even more efficient.”
MUSTAD 40110XF - 2x extra heavy and extra forged wire
For enhanced durability and increased hook capacity
Mustad 40110 XF – Featuring 2X extra-heavy and extra forged wire, – this hook delivers exceptional strength and durability in both the shank and point. Designed to maximize the hook capacity per magazine and reduce overlapping of hooks, making it ideal for demanding commercial fishing operations.
Feedback from freezer longliner GEIR after trial: “The crew prefers the new hook with yellow snoods,
The main reasons are reduced rust, less bending or need for replacement, and a more compact fit on the magazines. They also noted that the yellow coating holds up better against wear and tear. In terms of catch performance, our test samples show no difference compared to the previous hook.”
Arild Holmeset, owner and Chief onboard GEIR
Increased Hook Capacity
Slimmer design and extra-forged construction allow for more hooks per meter on storage magazines, optimizing space without compromising strength.
Reduced Overlap
Improved depth-to-width ratio minimizes overlap, allowing the hooks to slide more easily on the magazines, enhancing both organization and handling.
Enhanced Strength
Built with 2x extra heavy wire, providing outstanding strength and durability in both the shank and point.
More product information: Mustad 40110 XF
HAVFRONT FOLLA, - at a gutting bench staffed with 8–9 people, there are now 3 people after the FOLLA machines were installed. Kristoffer Karlsen, Br. Karlsen AS, Husøy Senja
After integrating the FOLLA machines from HAVFRONT into our processing facilities in 2023, we’ve seen a significant improvement in both efficiency and consistency. What used to require 8–9 people at the gutting bench is now handled by just three. The machines deliver precise, uniform cuts that are better and more accurate than manual work, and they’ve greatly reduced the amount of heavy manual labor. We’re satisfied with the results and already planning to install two more machines to further increase our capacity.
– Kristoffer Karlsen, Br. Karlsen AS, Husøy Senja
MS BÅTSMANN and Frog Olsen AS chose to invest in the LOPPA 100 to simplify everyday operations on board.
Since 2019, the machine has been a trusted partner, efficiently handling the heading and gutting of the catch – primarily whitefish such as tusk and ling.
“The machine keeps up with us – it processes the fish at least as quickly as we can feed it. We’re very satisfied with having the LOPPA on board. It saves us a lot of hard manual work that used to strain our shoulders and arms,” says Hilde Frog, owner and fisherman on MS Båtsmann.
Despite the machine’s low maintenance requirements, regular cleaning and daily supervision are key to keeping it in top condition.
“We’re very pleased that Mustad Autoline continues the production, development, and service of Havfront products. This ensures continued access to spare parts and support”, adds Trond Olsen, also owner and fisherman on MS Båtsmann.
MS Båtsmann,
ST-29-T
Length: 13,25 m
DUDDI GíSLA: Iceland’s 12-meter coastal fishing marvel with a 650-ton annual haul
The coastal fishing vessel Dúddi Gísla (MMSI: 251776000), owned by Besa EHF in Iceland, is a 12-meter fiberglass boat built by Trefjar, 2021. The vessel operates with the Mustad Autoline coastal system, enabling it to catch approximately 650 tons annually in Icelandic fishing grounds.
Kristinn Kárason, the skipper since 2000, praises the boat for its exceptional performance, noting that it has proven to be incredibly reliable over the years. The crew takes excellent care of the vessel, ensuring its continued success. The boat operates with 14,000 hooks and a dedicated crew of four. This Dúddi Gísla is the third vessel to bear the name and continues the tradition of excellence in Icelandic coastal fishing.”
— Kristinn Kárason, Skipper, Vessel Dúddi Gísla
