Beitir now has precision at sea with Vónin’s fully controllable Twister trawl doors

When the Icelandic pelagic trawler Beitir headed out for this year’s mackerel season, it did so equipped with Vónin’s fully controllable Twister trawl doors. For skipper Tómas Kárason, the impact was immediate.

We started to use this trawl door from Vónin with an automatic steering system this mackerel season, he says. It’s an advanced piece of gear designed to improve the efficiency and control of trawling operations.

The Twister doors represent a leap forward in trawling technology. Unlike traditional doors, which require constant manual adjustment, these are equipped with sensors and actuators that automatically respond to changing conditions—depth, current, and vessel movement—ensuring optimal performance at all times.

Great trawling, greater control

For Beitir, operating in the challenging conditions of the North Atlantic, the ability to maintain precise control over the trawl doors has proven invaluable.

This technology is especially helpful for surface trawling,” Tómas explains. “It allows precise control over the door’s spread and depth, making it easier to keep the trawl head line high in the water column—ideal for targeting surface-dwelling fish.

This level of control not only improves catch efficiency but also reduces the strain on both crew and equipment. The automatic adjustments mean fewer manual corrections, which translates into fuel savings, less gear damage, and more consistent trawl height.

A seamless upgrade

Installing the new system aboard Beitir was a smooth process, and the crew quickly adapted to the new way of working. The benefits were clear from the first tow.

The automatic adjustments reduce the need for constant manual corrections, save fuel, and minimize gear damage, says Tómas. All while maintaining a consistent trawl height. We are very happy with this new system—it helps a lot.

Built for the North Atlantic

The fully controllable Twister doors are designed with the harsh realities of northern waters in mind. Their robust construction, four-foil design, and adjustable shutter system ensure stability and performance even in strong side currents and during tight maneuvers.

For Beitir, this means more time fishing and less time adjusting—an advantage that’s hard to overstate.