The "Owurkan" propulsion system, consisting of electric motors and ABB frequency changers, allows, among other things, to reduce energy consumption by approximately 20% compared to a diesel propulsion system.

The owurkan It was for the Kaweskar, a town originally from southern Chile, a shaman or healer. Hence the name with which was baptized the first ship of the company SalmoClinic dedicated to the control of parasites in the salmon industry with low environmental impact. The vessel, a reference in its type in the world, was built in Chile with ABB technology.

"The aim of this vessel is to deliver specialized treatment to salmon through fresh water baths and controlled drugs. In this way, the discharge of antiparasites into the ocean is reduced by 97-99% compared to traditional methods," said marine biologist Hans Kossmann, founder of SalmoClinic.

More than six years of research, development and innovation (R+D+i) are contained in the "Owurkan" ship and materialized in technical elements such as a continuous motion pond, reverse osmosis plant, oxygen generation plants and laboratories, among other equipment.  

Designed and built by the Asenav shipyard in Valdivia, Los Ríos region, it was conceived from its origins to operate sustainably with a diesel-electric propulsion system, based on ABB engines and variators, assure the development firms that have participated in the manufacturing process.

"It is a pride to be part of a unique development in the world such as the 'Owurkan', completely designed for sustainable aquaculture. This is not the first time we have partnered with ABB; we had already done it with the wellboat 'Patagon IX', the 'X 'and the 'XI' currently under construction, with excellent results, and now we repeated it by incorporating even more ABB technology", commented the general manager of Asenav S.A., Heinz Pearce.

Martín Capó, who is the Lead Business Area Manager ABB Motion for Latin America, highlighted that the propulsion system of the "Owurkan", made up of electric motors and frequency changers ABB, allows to reduce energy consumption by approximately 20%, compared to a diesel propulsion system, and with this reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) by the same magnitude.

"We are proud that our technology is an ally in this project, as it is in direct line with our mission to turn the world around, saving energy every day. This is a demonstration of our purpose to contribute to transforming industries and societies, through technological innovation and towards a sustainable future. In particular, we are extremely proud to support this innovation, from Chile, one of the leaders in the salmon industry," said Martín Capó.

Hans Kossmann, for his part, asserted that this system and method of treatment is patented by SalmoClinic: "We believe that the benefits associated with technology will result in a demand of at least five ships for the Chilean market, and very soon we expect to export this solution from the southern end of our country to the world," he concluded.

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*Photos: gentle ABB / SalmoClinic.