FAO introduces innovative technologies to build resilience in SL’s Fisheries Sector
A multi-day fishing boat equipped with advanced cooling technology and a fuel-saving bulbous bow was handed over to Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The multi-day fishing boat was provided as part of the initiative by the FAO, with funding from the government of Norway, toward enhancing resilience and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector.
According to the FAO, this initiative promotes the adoption of new technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, lower operational costs, and improve the quality of fish for both local and export markets.
Enhancing Resilience through Advanced Cooling Systems
Sri Lanka’s multi-day fishing vessels, essential for deep-sea fishing, especially in the tuna export industry, often rely on ice to preserve fish during long voyages. However, this practice frequently compromises quality, leading to post-harvest losses. The Fish Loss and Waste (FLW) Assessment conducted by FAO in 2022–2023 found an average quality loss of 41.4% in the catch from Sri Lanka’s multi-day fisheries.
To address this challenge, FAO has installed an advanced cooling system on a newly constructed multi-day fishing vessel to ensure fish are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the voyage. This technology strengthens the resilience of fishing operations, ensuring higher-quality fish products reach the market while reducing waste and spoilage.
Boosting Efficiency with Fuel-Saving Bulbous Bow Technology
Fuel efficiency is critical for Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, as multi-day boats consume between 8,000 and 11,000 litres of diesel per trip, costing operators 3 to 4 million LKR per voyage. To ease this burden, FAO provided technical expertise for the installation of bulbous bow technology on the vessel. This innovation minimizes wave resistance, delivering a 13% reduction in fuel consumption.
This innovation not only helps offset the additional fuel required by the cooling system but also brings long-term economic benefits to boat owners. The cost of installing the bulbous bow—approximately 1 million LKR—was borne by the boat owner with FAO’s technical support, highlighting the private sector’s role in adopting sustainable practices.