DNG by Slippurinn Expands Product Range

Leading Icelandic shipyard and seafood processing machine manufacturer, Slippurinn Akureyri expands its DNG processing range with the development of new innovative products for onboard and land-based fish processing. Slippurinn Akureyri, a shipyard and seafood processing machine manufacturer in Iceland, is expanding its range of products for land-based fish processing and aquaculture. The company has established a new facility in Grindavík, Iceland, to produce a range of equipment for land-based fish processing, which will complement its existing DNG by Slippurinn range of processing equipment. Slippurinn’s growth has been driven by a service-oriented approach that puts its customers first, and the new expansion aims to improve its services to customers and offer an expanded range of processing equipment.

The shift in focus for Slippurinn, according to Páll Kristjánsson, CEO of Slippurinn is a result of changes in the Icelandic fishing fleet. “With fewer fishing vessels in the Icelandic fleet and a generally lower demand for ship services, we decided to focus on expanding in other areas,” says Kristjánsson. As a result of this shift, Slippurinn has been systematically working on strengthening its production of various processing equipment and product development. “We are manufacturing processing equipment for whitefish, roes and canning equipment along with tub solutions under the DNG by Slippurinn brand, and we are also designing fish farming equipment and building products for fish farming companies,”

Going from strength to strength

Kristjánsson notes that Slippurinn is one of the largest and most powerful shipyards in the North Atlantic and has no intention of changing that. “The focus is on improving our service to that level as well as expanding further into the equipment manufacturing sector,” Kristjánsson says. “We had an opportunity to acquire the entire whitefish product portfolio from a known processor in Iceland and saw that as a way to incorporate new systems for land-based processing in our operation. We procured their facilities and personnel in Grindavík, Iceland and have doubled down on our resolve to expand in the processing sector.”

“Our growth has been fueled by innovative thinking and a serviceoriented approach that puts our customers first. The current expansion aims to provide improved services to customers and offer an expanded range of processing equipment to our clients,” says Magnús Blöndal Gunnarsson director of DNG by Slippurinn “Essentially, our actions are a response to our customers’ demands, while also reinforcing our operations.”

Advanced fish processing decks

Slippurinn has a long history of designing, constructing, and installing processing decks on various types of vessels, both domestically and internationally. These solutions are designed for high efficiency and excellent handling of raw material. As Blöndal notes, “Our processing decks are built on decades of experience and industry expertise.” Slippurinn has installed over a dozen turnkey decks for fishing vessels in recent years and will continue to focus on innovation and product development in that area.

New systems for onboard processing

Slippurinn’s processing decks for vessels are built with a focus on superior raw material handling and efficiency, which are easy to maintain. Their control systems have a comfortable user interface where everything is controlled from a single computer for efficiency and convenience.

“We have made significant progress in developing equipment for processing decks,” says Blöndal. “Our focus has been on designing equipment that enhances performance and improves the treatment of fish. One such solution that has been installed on 8 vessels since its inception 2 years ago is the Sealion, which provides bleeding and washing capabilities.”

Efficient and effective FIFO fish bleeding and washing system

DNG’s Sealion is a high-quality solution for bleeding and washing that guarantees a consistent treatment for the catch. Designed without a conveyor band, this chambered vat minimizes cleaning and maintenance efforts while preventing dirt and contaminants from accumulating. The Sealion’s unique make and placement of sea vents prevent blood water from transferring between input and output, ensuring that fish are only exposed to clean seawater. With a pressurized air system that injects air into each chamber, the Sealion stimulates the evacuation of blood.

Efficient and versatile: DNG’s Whole Fish Flow scale with next-generation grader software offers customizable grading and easy clean technology.

A smaller demo version of the Sealion by DNG connected to Kapp’s liquid seawater ice system will be display at the Seafood Expo in Barcelona. “The Sealion can be used with a liquid Ice system for cooling and we will display that at the show,” says Blöndal. “It is ideal for various sizes of vessels with different catching methods.

DNG R1 – A new electronic jigging reel with advanced software capabilities and accuracy

“Our first electronic jigging reel for fishing was introduced in 1984 and now we are launching the R1, a re-engineered, powerful jigging reel, which we’ll exhibit at the Seafood Expo in Barcelona,” explains Blöndal.

“I am proud to say that it is one of the most advanced jigging reels on the market, built on inhouse expertise and decades of hands-on research and development with fishermen in Iceland.”

The R1 is considered the industry leader due to its highly accurate depth detection and modern software capabilities. The R1 uses less electricity and operates silently due to reduced noise levels. It also retains the popular catch-specific configurations of previous models and allows users to create their own fishing programs. The environmental benefits of using it are considerable due to minimal pollution from equipment loss.

Unlocking new opportunities in land-based operations.

DNG by Slippurinn diversified product line includes solutions for landbased whitefish and saltfish processors as well as applications for liver and roe processing and canning operations. “For the land-based processing segment we offer a comprehensive range of equipment that covers every step of the processing line, including dynamic scales, graders, trimming lines and tub handling systems,” says Blöndal. “We have continued to develop these systems and have worked really well with clients around the world in this area. We have new items on the drawing board, and some are ready for release, like our new production software that will be launched this spring in relation to our whole fish dynamic grader.”

Blöndal expresses optimism regarding the future of the company’s land-based processing portfolio. With several major processors in Iceland venturing into salmon farming, he anticipates significant growth in the aquaculture sector. “We are looking forward to unlocking new opportunities for innovation and collaboration for land-based processors,” he says. “We will include more applications for whitefish and aquaculture in our product development plan.”

Stronger R&D

Another important part of the company’s growth has been the establishment of a new product development center that will focus on designing and developing innovative equipment for better processing. According to Kristjánsson, research and development are the key to the company’s growth strategy for the coming years. The product development center is a logical step towards this goal, as DNG expands into new areas of the industry.

The projects of the center will be diverse and bring new products to market while opening doors to further ventures. “With the establishment of the research center, we are committed to continuously innovating solutions for the seafood industry, pushing the boundaries in every way possible,” says Kristjánsson. “The importance of knowledge and cooperation in product development is essential.”

By broadening its fish processing equipment range and implementing a robust R&D strategy, DNG by Slippurinn is poised to become a one-stop-shop for seafood processing equipment, meeting the ever-increasing demand for safe, efficient and effective processing solutions.