The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, an indigenous community on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula in Canada, has taken delivery of a new multi-purpose fishing vessel. Named Ugjit Mijua’ji’jg (meaning “For Our Children” in the Mi’gmaw language), this vessel is designed for both snow crab fishing and trawling operations.
Measuring 19.81 x 7.31 meters, the vessel was designed by NAVANEX and built by Chantier Naval Forillon shipyard. This marks the third and most sophisticated vessel the shipyard has produced for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government.
Vessel Design and Technical Specifications
The steel-hulled vessel features an aluminum wheelhouse with a raised forecastle design. The vessel is optimized for different fishing operations:
For crab fishing, the aft deck can carry up to 150 collapsible crab pots. For trawling operations, a gantry with two net drums is mounted over the stern.
Custom Design for Crew Comfort
Comfort for the seven-person crew has been prioritized. The newly designed bulbous bow improves fuel efficiency while reducing pitching in swells. Additionally, a proven stabilizer system, in use since 2006, dampens vessel motion both while traveling and working gear.
Cummins QSK19: IMO Tier III Compliant Propulsion System
At the heart of the vessel lies an IMO Tier III compliant Cummins QSK19 engine. The engine produces 750 HP at 1,800 RPM. It drives a four-blade Rice Kaplan propeller (57-inch diameter, 67-inch pitch) through a Twin Disc MGX-5222 gearbox with 5.04:1 reduction ratio.
This system provides the vessel with a 9-knot cruising speed and 8.2 metric tons of bollard pull.
SCR Emission Control System
To meet IMO Tier III emission standards, the main engine is equipped with an SCR exhaust aftertreatment system featuring a DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) injection unit. The system atomizes DEF using pressurized air for better mixing and complete chemical reaction, thereby reducing DEF consumption.
Cummins technicians utilized the engine room overhead space to position the SCR system above the engine. This arrangement provides easy access to both the main engine and service panel. A monitor installed in the wheelhouse displays real-time NOx output and conversion efficiency. Sea trials recorded 91.2% NOx reduction.
Auxiliary Power Systems
The vessel features a comprehensive auxiliary power system:
- Cummins QSB7-DM generator: 65 kW electrical output
- Cummins QSM11-DM engine: 355 HP at 1,800 RPM driving hydraulic pumps and a backup 65 kW generator
Main and auxiliary engines were supplied by Cummins Sales and Service Quebec.
Storage and Tank Capacities
The vessel’s RSW (refrigerated seawater) equipped holds can store 60,000 pounds of crab in four sections. The insulated bait hold has a volume of 7.8 cubic meters. Tank capacities are as follows:
- Fuel: 23,000 liters
- Water: 7,900 liters
- DEF: 2,000 liters