NIRSA invests in two new MARCO net side rollers to enhance its purse seine operations

Following the positive results achieved last year with the installation of one MARCO net side roller on its purse seiner Milagros A, NIRSA has decided to further invest in this technology to optimize its fishing operations. The company will install two additional net side rollers on its tuna vessels María del Mar A and Drennec, reaffirming its commitment to continuous improvement in efficiency and sustainability.

MARCO´s net side roller, widely used on European purse seiners, helps to dry up the net and speed up the brailing process, significantly reducing fish loss during the purse seine maneuver. This equipment, built in ribbed rubber sections and mounted on a rail, with a single or double hydraulic drive and two-way movement, s available in various models to suit purse seiners of all sizes, and increases efficiency during one of the most critical phases of the fishing operation.

Specifically, two RB-1126 net side rollers will be installed on the María del Mar A and Drennec tuna vessels. The María del Mar A, previously known as Zapata Discoverer and Jenny Margot II, was built in 1976 and is hull number 113 from the U.S. shipyard Campbell Industries. Originally, the vessel had an overall length of 76.80 meters, a beam of 13.20 meters, and brine tanks with a total capacity of 1,784 m³. It was part of a legendary series of purse seiners, alongside the Zapata Pathfinder and the Elizabeth C.J., built by Campbell Industries, which represented a major innovation in tuna fishing at the time. The María del Mar A was lengthened some years ago and is currently the only one of the original three vessels still in operation.

The Drennec, which was also lengthened at a later stage, was built in 1983 at the French shipyard Ateliers et Chantiers de la Manche. Originally, it had a length of 62.39 meters, a beam of 12.08 meters, and fish holds with a capacity of 1,251 m³.

Grupo NIRSA has a fleet of thirteen tuna vessels, six sardine vessels, and eight smaller boats, as well as various fish processing plants. They manufacture Alimentos Real, a renowned brand of frozen foods, canned goods, beverages, and other products that have occupied a privileged position in international markets and on Ecuadorian tables for over 60 years.

This new award, along with several recent projects carried out across Latin America, highlights TH COMPANY’s continued commitment to strengthening its presence in the region. With new offices established in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, TH COMPANY has enhanced its customer support by offering a global yet close service.