The state-of-the art feed barge includes space for 400 tonnes of fish feed and equipment as well as interior-designed living quarters and is the first of Gael Force’s new generation of open water, high stability barges which will include a 600 tonne unit, the SeaBase 600T, which will be introduced to the market in 2010.

This is the third and largest barge that the Gael Force Group has supplied to the Norwegian market. The firm is the only one in the U.K currently producing these barges for the aquaculture industry. In 2005, Norway exported around NOK 31.7 billion (£3.5 billion) worth of seafood.

Gael Force’s Managing Director David Guthrie said: 'Fish farming is even bigger business in Norway than in Scotland. As experts in supplying structures and materials to the aquaculture industry we’ve been well established in the Scottish market for many years. We see major opportunities for us in Norway and even further afield having already supplied a 250 tonne barge to Spain last year. We are also presently in dialogue with other companies in the Mediterranean and the Middle East about future projects.'

Gael Force was founded in 1983 by Stewart Graham and the company has grown from its Hebridean start-up to employ 110 people and turn over around £12 million per year. The firm has bases in Inverness and the Western Isles and has ambitious expansion plans for the next five years.

The firm serves a UK and European-wide customer base in three distinct industries – marine equipment, aquaculture and marine engineering.

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