Introduction to Distant-Water Fishing Vessel Types

Distant-water fisheries refers to fishing operations conducted by vessels on the high seas, within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of other countries, or in archipelagic waters (AW). Depending on the fishing method employed and the target species, the common types of vessels are as follows:

A.Purse Seine Fishing Vessel

A purse seine fishing vessel is a type of fishing vessel that operates on the high seas, within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of other countries, or in archipelagic waters (AW), and utilizes the purse seine fishing method to harvest migratory fish schools. The fishing process involves surrounding the fish school with a large net, then drawing the bottom of the net closed to form a bag-like structure, preventing the fish from escaping and thereby completing the catch.

The primary target species of purse seine vessels include skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna. These vessels are characterized by high fishing efficiency and large catch volumes per operation, making them one of the most important vessel types in the global tuna fisheries sector.

Modern distant-water purse seine vessels are typically equipped with advanced fish-finding technologies, as well as fish detection support systems such as helicopters or drones. They also feature onboard freezing or refrigeration facilities and may operate in conjunction with Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to enhance operational efficiency and catch stability.

Fair Well Fishery Group operates a total of 23 purse seine vessels, each with a beam width of 12–15 meters. These vessels are painted in distinctive standard colors—bright green, black, yellow, white, and red—making them easily recognizable to other vessels at sea as part of the Group’s fleet. As the organization continues to expand, the fleet size is steadily increasing.

Among its fleet, the Group takes the greatest pride in the Win Hope 707, which was fully designed in terms of both interior and exterior by the Group’s in-house vessel design department. The vessel has an overall length of 79.9 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,968 tons. Its design is centered on enhancing the crew’s working environment and onboard living comfort, while also improving the stability and performance of both fishing operations and navigation.

Length : 79.9 Meters | Moulded Depth : 8.74 Meters

Beam : 15.3 Meters | Gross Tonnage : 1968(GT)

Power of Main Engine or Engine(s) : 3600 Kilowatts (kW)

Fish Hold Capacity : 2097.98 Cubic Metres

Key Objectives of Fair Well Fishery Group’s In-House Purse Seine Vessel Design:

  • Enhancement of Operational Efficiency
  1. Customized Design: The hull, deck, storage layout, and fishing equipment are specifically tailored to suit purse seine fishing methods, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.
  2. Optimized Equipment Integration: Sonar, fish finders, freezing systems, and temperature monitoring devices are integrated during the design phase, eliminating the limitations associated with external retrofitting.
  3. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Vessel design balances cruising speed and fuel consumption, effectively reducing operating costs.
  • Assurance of Catch Quality
  1. Advanced Freezing Systems: The latest freezing technologies and temperature control systems are incorporated at the design stage, ensuring full temperature control from harvesting to storage and maintaining the freshness of the catch.
  2. Segregated Storage: Catches from different fishing periods can be stored separately, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
  •  Crew Welfare and Operational Safety
  1. Comfortable Living Spaces: Crew accommodations, including rest areas, dining facilities, and sanitary spaces, are designed to meet ergonomic standards, enhancing overall quality of life onboard.
  2. Safe Working Environment: Anti-slip decks, clearly planned evacuation routes, and properly equipped lifesaving appliances help reduce the risk of accidents.
  3. Operational Convenience: The layout takes into account the workflow of fishing gear operations, reducing crew fatigue and operational risks.
  • Compliance with Regulations and Sustainability Standards
  1. Compliance with International Regulations: Vessels can be designed in accordance with the latest fisheries regulations and ESG standards in key operating regions (such as the European Union and Papua New Guinea).
  2. Environmentally Friendly Design: Incorporates emission control measures, low-noise engines, and energy-efficient systems to support sustainable operations.
B.Squid Fishing Vessel

A squid fishing vessel refers to a vessel that engages in squid harvesting operations using the squid jigging method, typically conducted in distant-water or offshore fishing grounds. The primary fishing method involves the use of powerful fishing lights at night to attract squid toward the vessel, followed by the deployment of multiple jigging lines equipped with barbless hooks to catch them. This method is highly selective and has a relatively low impact on the marine environment.

The main catch of squid fishing vessels consists of squid and other cephalopod species. Their fishing grounds span across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. As the quality of the catch is highly sensitive to temperature, these vessels are generally equipped with refrigeration and freezing systems to ensure freshness and maintain market value.

Fair Well Fishery Group currently operates seven squid fishing vessels, with the fleet continuing to expand. Among them, the Hua Sheng No. 636, with a gross tonnage of 1,061 tons and a distinctive red-and-white hull, holds licenses for both squid jigging and Pacific saury stick-held dip net fishing. The vessel has also joined the Southwest Atlantic Squid Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), contributing to the overall development of the fishery and the protection of fishermen’s lives and property.

Length : 72.8 Meters|Beam : 10.8 Meters

Vessel Depth : 4.8 Meters|Gross Tonnage : 1,061(GT)

Engine Power : 2,200

Fish Hold Capacity : 1417.54 Cubic Metres

C.Longline Fishing Vessel

Longline vessels utilize longline fishing gear and primarily target highly migratory species. In distant waters, these vessels deploy mainlines extending tens to hundreds of kilometers, with branch lines baited at regular intervals. Mechanized systems are used for automatic setting and hauling, making this a common fishing method in distant-water fisheries. Longline vessels focus on high-value species such as tuna, using a single-hook precision approach to maintain fish integrity and product quality, supporting premium sashimi markets. Compared to trawling, this method offers better fuel efficiency and reduced impact on marine habitats.

Fair Well Fishery Group currently operates four longline vessels. Among them, the BESTGOGO 202, with a gross tonnage of 91.74 tons, features a robust hull structure and a distinctive red-and-white color scheme. It stands as a representative vessel within the fleet, demonstrating highly efficient fishing performance and the ability to consistently deliver stable, high-quality catches.

Length : 23.8 Meters|Beam : 5.4 Meters

Moulded depth : 2 Meters|Gross Tonnage : 91.74 (GT)

Power of Main Engine or Engine(s) :590 Kilowatts (kW)

Freezer type(s) : AIR BLAST|Freezer Type Count(s) : 2

Freezing capacity : 5 MT/Day

D.Freezer Vessel

A vessel equipped with freezing facilities, primarily used for transporting and preserving catches in frozen condition to prevent spoilage and quality deterioration, ensuring that the fish meet market and processing requirements upon arrival at the port of discharge.

Fair Well Fishery Group operates four freezer vessels. Among them, with a gross tonnage of 4,361 tons Tiara 108 characterized by its blue-green hull, stands as a representative vessel of the Group’s freezer fleet. Despite being over 40 years old, it remains in excellent operational condition and is primarily responsible for collecting catches from purse seine vessels, freezing them, and transporting them to ports or processing facilities.

Length : 100.98 Meters|Beam : 16.4 Meters

Moulded depth : 10 Meters|Gross Tonnage : 4361(GT)

Power of Main Engine or Engine(s) : 4780 Kilowatts (kW)

Fish hold capacity : 6513.27 Cubic Metres