The GPO EMERALD, operated by GPO Heavylift, completed the transport of the Hydra semi-closed fish-pen structure for Nordlaks. The vessel loaded the unit on 22 October 2025 at Gemak Altınova Shipyard in Turkey via the float-on method. The cargo, weighing approximately 6,000 tonnes with an outer diameter of 72 m, was secured through seafastening operations before departure.
On the morning of 23 November 2025, the vessel discharged the structure through the float-off method in Sørvika, Norway, marking another heavy-cargo operation for the fleet. The Hydra is now undergoing ballast and heel tests ahead of towing and final anchoring.
Once installed in 2026, the Hydra will operate as a semi-closed fish-farming system with solid walls extending 20 m below the surface, featuring a roof cover and a controlled water-exchange system.
The semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel GPO EMERALD (IMO 9760457) sails under the Marshall Islands flag. It measures 225 m in length and 48.05 m in beam and is designed for the global transport of offshore modules and floating structures.
