Factory Trawler

A factory trawler is a large stern trawler that catches and processes fish onboard, freezing, filleting, or reducing the catch to meal so the vessel stays at sea for weeks. The catch passes from a stern ramp and net drum to a below-deck processing line, plate freezers, and refrigerated holds; pollock, hake, and hoki distant-water fleets use the type. These ships drive distant-water fishing (DWF) effort and fall under flag-state safety rules; the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 sets safety standards for fishing vessels 24 m and over, though it is not yet in force.