Decanter commissioning service improves krill processing efficiency

The Fuxinghai is an Antarctic krill fishing and processing vessel built in China by Liaoyu Group, designed to support high-efficiency krill production. The vessel integrates advanced processing systems, including Alfa Laval DSI Krill Cookers, decanters, evaporation equipment, and supporting pumps, valves, sensors, and controls across two processing lines. These systems form the backbone of its onboard krill processing capability.

Challenge

Operating a large-scale krill processing system in the extreme Antarctic environment demands absolute reliability and precision. After the initial shipyard testing, the key challenge was to ensure stable onboard performance and maintaining consistent production efficiency throughout the fishing season. Achieving this required expert centrifuge commissioning and long-term operational stability of critical separation equipment, particularly decanters operating under harsh marine conditions.

Solution

Alfa Laval engineers worked closely with Liaoyu Group from installation through full-scale operation, delivering a comprehensive decanter commissioning service tailored to the vessel’s operational demands.

Conducting multi-stage centrifuge commissioning and performance verification

• Deploying two Alfa Laval service engineers onboard during the fishing voyage
• Adjusting equipment parameters and hardware, performing decanter centrifuge maintenance, and overhauling high-speed separators
• Delivering hands-on maintenance training to the vessel’s crew to support long-term reliability

This collaborative, on-site approach ensured all equipment operated at design capacity under real-world operating conditions.

Results

Within two months of commissioning:

• 4,900 tons of krill were processed into 630 tons of krill meal
• The two processing lines achieved their 528-ton daily capacity
• Production capacity increased by 25%
• Maintenance costs were reduced by 10%

These results confirmed both the performance of Alfa Laval’s technologies and the value of expert commissioning support.

Outlook

The successful operational results achieved by Fuxinghai demonstrates how thorough centrifuge commissioning and ongoing technical support can unlock full equipment potential and long-term reliability in demanding marine environments.

With a proven decanter commissioning service in place, Liaoyu Group has established a new benchmark for efficient, reliable, and sustainable krill processing, setting a strong example for China’s fishing industry and future offshore processing projects.