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
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.”
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
Fisherman Even Hauge Sees Huge Success with Loppa 100: "We've Processed 30-50 Tons Weekly – Couldn't Do It Without the Machine!"
«We’ve been running 30-50 tons through the machine each week. Extremely satisfied! Without the machine, they might as well stay on land… says Even Hauge. He also has a lot of expertise on what’s important when it comes to maintenance and operation of the machine. They welcome visits on board if anyone wants to see and hear about their experiences.»
«Hauge Junior» had its first machine, Loppa 100, installed in the fall of 2018 on the old «Hauge Junior.» The machine was used extensively on board, and the experience was so positive that he ordered a new machine for his new boat in the spring of 2020. From January to August the same year, the machine has headed and gutted over 1,200 tons!
Five Years On, Hitra Fisherman Hallgeir Breivik Praises HAVFRONT LOPPA 100: "I'm extremely satisfied"
«The machine has made the work on board much easier. We’re not getting any younger. The shoulder blades are very vulnerable, and the head cutting is the worst. Before, I was exhausted after a day out at sea, now I don’t feel anything. Before and after Loppa, it’s like night and day,» says Breivik.
After receiving good advice from one of the crew members on the «Mats-Erik,» the first boat to use Loppa, Hallgeir Brevik made the decision: Loppa was going on his 36-foot boat «Einevikbuen.» He hasn’t regretted that decision.
«You can’t get more for your money than this. I bring in more fish since it’s much faster to gut them, and at the same time, the strain is reduced,» says Breivik.
He is also impressed with the follow-up he has received after the investment, but most adjustments are easy to make, allowing fishermen to maintain Loppa themselves. «I handle a lot myself, and the machine is easy to maintain,» says Breivik.