HVAC | Arctic Storm Pelagic Trawler

We are excited to announce that LeBlanc & Associates won the contract to supply the complete HVAC system for a pelagic trawler built for Seattle-based Arctic Storm Management Group, LLC.

Rolls-Royce Marine designed the pelagic trawler, and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C. in Houma, Louisiana will build it. This vessel will be the largest and most advanced fishing vessel ever constructed in the USA. Rolls-Royce has worked closely with Arctic Storm to develop the design. The vessel will feature a processing plant for fillet, surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil. It will operate in the North Pacific, catching wild Alaska Pollock and cod fish. Additionally, it will accommodate a crew of more than 150 people.

HVAC by LeBlanc

LeBlanc & Associates will supply the complete HVAC system. A chilled water unit will serve the air handlers and fan coil units. Two air handling units will serve the accommodations, while a third will serve the wheelhouse and include a built-in defroster system. Moreover, LeBlanc will provide the Provision Cooling Plant, mist eliminators, louvers and goosenecks, ventilation fans for the freezing machinery space, and controls for ammonia leakage. The company will also supply ventilation fans for the engine room and various technical spaces.

Furthermore, we will supply a complete hot water and steam system, including a combined exhaust- and oil-fired steam boiler, hot water boiler, and hot water fan heaters for technical areas. We will heat accommodation spaces with radiators and public spaces with floor heating. The galley will feature a range hood with extraction and a fire fighting system. Finally, LeBlanc & Associates will provide walk-in cooler and freezer boxes.

Design Conditions

The air conditioning system is based on the following design conditions:

Summer conditions

Outside: 95˚  F / 80% R.H. 

Inside: 77˚  F / 50% R.H.

Winter conditions

Outside: -4˚  F

Inside: 72˚  F

Free cooling mode

In order to create a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, a free cooling mode will be implemented. When the seawater temperature gets below 43˚  F, seawater will be used to cool the chilled water of the AC system. This mode will allow the chiller’s compressors to stop operating, saving significant amounts of energy. Electrical power will be used only for pump operation.