Abyss’ Iceland crews
On board the service vessel Fosnafjord, you will find Emil, Åge and Jakob. They are part of Abyss’ service fleet in Iceland.
In brief
Emil, Åge and Jakob work on board Fosnafjord, one of Abyss’ service vessels in Iceland’s Westfjords.
The article explores a varied working life involving rotations, site fallowing, ROV inspections, maintenance and emergency response in demanding weather. The small crew works closely together, using a vessel equipped for a broad range of tasks.
The service fleet in Iceland consists of Fosnafjord and Fosnakongen. The vessels serve fish farms in the Westfjords, each with a crew of four.
Working rotations
The working days are long, varied and physical, with up to twelve hours a day and several weeks on board. The rotation also provides long periods of leave, while living closely together on board creates a special sense of camaraderie.
The crew of Fosnafjord
Emil Brandvik is the skipper, Åge Fagerheim is a deckhand and ROV pilot, and Jakob Sundet is an engine room rating. With only four people on board, everyone helps where needed, regardless of their role.
The assignment
The crew installs and removes farm structures, carries out maintenance and inspections, replaces components, cleans and disinfects pens, and assists with delousing. Assignments are planned one month at a time.
Site fallowing
After harvesting, the entire farm is cleaned and disinfected, including components, lines, shackles, chains and anchors. Once the work is complete and the site has been left fallow, it is ready for new fish.
ROV work
Åge operates the ROV from a dedicated control chair in the wheelhouse, documenting anchors, lines, shackles, chains and pens when new farms are installed.
Working in exposed conditions
The Westfjords are exposed to the weather, with no sheltered archipelago to retreat to. Plans therefore have to change, and the crew also handles urgent assignments, such as recovering pens that have broken loose in storms.
About the vessel
Fosnafjord is a diesel-electric hybrid catamaran from 2022, with a mess, galley, five cabins, workshop, stores, ROV hangar, engine room and wheelhouse.
On deck are two HS Marine cranes, two winches and extensive deck equipment. The vessel is a versatile tool that can tackle a wide range of assignments.
