North East tech firm has maritime device approved by Norwegian government

A North East technology business is sailing into Scandinavian waters after winning Norwegian government approval for its maritime tracking device.

Succorfish’s SC2 Gen 2 iVMS system has been approved for use as an electronic reporting system on Norway’s 550-strong fleet of fishing boats that are over 15 metres in length.

The North Tyneside-headquartered firm worked in partnership with Norwegian software developer Bytek Nordic to adapt the SC2 Gen 2 system to the country’s specific offshore requirements, which include being able to pinpoint the precise location of vessels over a distance of more than 2,200 kilometres.

It has now won Government approval for use anywhere in its fishing waters, which stretch from Kristiansand at Norway’s southern tip right up to Svalbard inside the Arctic Circle, as well as in UK, EU and other international waters.

And with new regulations set to be introduced in Norway later this year which will require vessels between 11 metres and 15 metres in length to carry the same technology, Succorfish is expecting to further expand its presence in the country’s fishing industry.

SC2 Gen 2 iVMS system provides an easy-to-use, cloud-based monitoring platform that is accessible from tablets, desktop computers or a smart phone app via satellite and Bluetooth.

It gives boat crew accurate guidance on whether their vessels are in an area they’re permitted to fish, and also provides the fishing authorities with real time data on whether vessels should be in particular areas, enabling appropriate action to be taken against any that are potentially fishing unlawfully in restricted conservation zones.

Chad Hooper, MD at Succorfish, said: “The SC2 is already being used successfully in fishing waters around the world and this latest accreditation opens up important new markets which will help us further extend its use.

“This type of monitoring equipment has never been more crucial to the fishing industry, whether from an environmental, conservation or regulatory point of view, and the adapted SC2 system comprehensively fulfils all the Norwegian government’s requirements for its coastal waters.

“It is proven, mature technology that offers the usability, reliability and technical specifications that fishing vessel operators need, is easy to transport and install, and gathers all the real time information that users both on the water and onshore need to fully document what is happening offshore.

Chad concluded: “Working with Bytek has helped to open up some significant new opportunities for us and we’re expecting to be able to build on them later in the year as new regulations increase the number of Norwegian vessels that need this type of electronic reporting system.”