This isn’t just another tech pilot—it’s a lifeline for Northern Ireland’s fishing fleet. With fuel costs biting harder than ever, Hefring Marine’s IMAS technology steps in with real-time fuel tracking, vessel performance insights, and safety upgrades. No more guesswork, no more crude tank calculations. This is about giving fishermen the data they need to cut costs, improve safety, and reduce emissions—all while keeping their boats competitive in a tough market.
The partnership with the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation (NIFF) and support from the Marine Environment & Fisheries Fund means this isn’t just a trial—it’s a strategic push to modernize the fleet. For an industry grappling with inflation and global energy pressures, this could be a game-changer. IMAS doesn’t just track fuel; it helps fishermen make smarter decisions, from optimizing routes to handling vessels in rough seas. That’s not just about efficiency—it’s about keeping crews safe.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the fishermen aren’t just users—they’re trainers. Hefring Marine isn’t just handing over a tool and walking away. Fishermen will be trained to interpret and act on the data, ensuring the tech works for them, not the other way around. This is how you build real adoption—not by forcing change, but by empowering those on the front lines to drive it themselves.
And if this pilot works? It won’t just stay in Northern Ireland. The data collected here could pave the way for wider adoption of sustainable practices and alternative technologies across the industry. This is about more than fuel savings—it’s about future-proofing fishing fleets in an era of rising costs and tightening regulations.
The real test will be whether fishermen embrace the tech. If they do, this could be the start of a much-needed digital transformation for an industry that’s often been slow to adopt new tools. For now, though, the focus is on the basics: cutting costs, improving safety, and giving fishermen the data they need to stay afloat in turbulent waters.