The Faroe Islands, known for their dramatic landscapes and a thriving aquaculture industry, provided the perfect setting for Scanreco’s researcher to witness the challenges faced by vessels engaged in salmon and kelp farming. The wear and tear endured by equipment on these vessels is vastly different from that on land-based machinery, highlighting the importance of specialized, durable solutions.

Partnering with industry leaders

The expedition was made possible thanks to the company’s long-standing partnership with KJ, a prominent family-owned company in the Faroe Islands. KJ is involved in diverse sectors ranging from shipbuilding to providing technical solutions for tunnels.

During their visit, Scanreco saw firsthand the complex tasks that equipment on farming vessels must perform in a harsh marine environment. The challenges include constant exposure to seawater, the continuous movement of the vessel, and the need for operators to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Scanreco’s remote control systems, frequently used with cranes from Palfinger, have shown remarkable versatility on the vessels, being adapted to operate winches, hydraulic claws, and other equipment essential for marine operations. KJ’s expertise in manufacturing cages, working boats, and specialized applications for fish farming further showcased the comprehensive solutions offered by Scanreco.

Navigating the challenges of the open sea

One of the most striking observations during the visit was how the constant motion of the sea affects the performance of onboard cranes. Unlike land-based cranes, those on vessels must contend with the rolling and pitching of the waves, making precise maneuvering a challenge. This creates unique demands on the remote control system, requiring it to deliver both optimal functionality and maximum safety.

“We were amazed by what we experienced in the Faroe Islands,” said a spokesperson for Scanreco. “Witnessing how resiliently the crew onboard tackles the environment as if standing on firm ground was astonishing. Seeing our systems being utilized in such a demanding environment was both enlightening and inspiring. It underlined the importance of tailoring every solution we develop to meet the specific needs of the industry in which it will be used.”

Enhancing innovation through real-world experience

At Scanreco, field visits like the one to the Faroe Islands play a vital role in product development. The insights gained from such visits help them refine their solutions to meet the specific needs of operators working in challenging environments—not just in the maritime industry, but across all sectors they serve.

“These trips provide us with deeper insights into the real-world challenges operators face and help us understand what they truly need from a remote control system,” Scanreco says. “Our platforms are all customizable. Each product can have hundreds of variations, tailored to the specific machine or crane it is paired with. It’s why we avoid one-size-fits-all solutions—we’re dedicated to providing customized answers to complex problems.”

Insights into operator challenges

The visit also shed light on the challenges faced by crane operators in the maritime industry. Operating a crane aboard a constantly moving vessel requires heightened concentration, as the motion of the sea complicates precision and adds significant strain to the equipment. As a person at KJ, remarked, “Scanreco’s systems have not only withstood the demands of this environment but consistently outlast other options.”

For operators, simplicity and ease of use are crucial. With so many tasks to juggle, operators can’t afford to struggle with complex controls. A well-designed, intuitive remote control system can make all the difference. It allows operators to focus on their tasks without second-guessing which button or lever to use, ultimately improving safety and efficiency.

Given the harsh marine conditions, where saltwater exposure is constant, equipment failures can be devastating. Scanreco understands the importance of reliability. Their remote control systems are designed and thoroughly tested to function flawlessly—even when doused with seawater—because breakdowns at sea are simply not an option.

Source: Scanreco