Icelandic tech company Hefring Marine has formed a new partnership with the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation (NIFF) which was formed in early 2025 to pilot innovative solutions that support the fishing fleet in tackling rising fuel costs, improving safety, and reducing emissions.
With support from the previous Marine Environment & Fisheries Fund from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland this initiative will see members of the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) and the Anglo Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (ANIFPO) trial Hefring Marine’s IMAS technology for the first time on commercial fishing trawlers.
The project’s core goal is to provide vessel operators with real-time insights into fuel use and vessel performance, enabling them to optimise operations, cut costs, and improve safety onboard.
Adam Holland, Fisheries Sustainability Officer for the Northern Irish fishing industry, said: “Fuel represents one of the most significant operating costs for fishing vessels. By working with Hefring Marine, we aim to give vessel operators the tools to monitor and manage their consumption more effectively, supporting profitability while also supporting our fleet in aligning with the UK’s emissions reduction targets.”
Rising fuel and operating costs, driven by inflation and global energy market pressures, have placed increasing strain on the Northern Irish fishing industry. Traditionally, most vessels lack the tools to measure fuel consumption accurately, relying on crude tank calculations. Hefring Marine’s system will allow operators to track and understand fuel usage in real time, paving the way for greater efficiency, reduced diesel dependency, and improved engine longevity. The pilot programme will test how the technology can enhance crew safety by offering data-driven guidance on vessel handling in challenging sea conditions.
Hefring Marine CEO Karl Birgir Björnsson said: “Fishing is one of the toughest operating environments at sea. We are excited to collaborate with NIFF to adapt our technology for this sector. Our goal is to empower fishermen with tools that make their work safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.”
As part of the rollout, fishermen will undergo training to ensure they can easily access, understand, and apply the system’s data insights. The project will provide baseline data to explore future adoption of alternative technologies and sustainable fishing practices. If successful, the pilot will form the foundation for a long-term strategy to modernise vessel operations across the Northern Irish fleet and potentially beyond.
Image: Northern Irish fishing vessel ‘Achilles’ (source: Hefring Marine)
