Østerbris AS has commissioned a new 86.00m “Østerbris” from Karstensens Shipyard A/S
Østerbris AS, a renowned shipping company, has commissioned a new 86.00 m combined purse-seiner/trawler from Karstensens Shipyard A/S, with a scheduled delivery date in January 2027.
The company was established by Olav H. Østervold in 1997. Prior to this, Olav H. Østervold co-owned and skippered several purse-seine vessels alongside his brothers. Today, the company is led and owned by the next generation, with Olav’s daughter, Marlen Østervold Haugland, serving as the managing director, and his four sons, Christian, Trond, Olav O., and John Harald, all active as skippers/mates aboard the current “Østerbris.” Each family member has extensive experience within the company.
The current “Østerbris” was acquired as a new build from Cemre Shipyard in Turkey in 2014. In addition to “Østerbris,” the family operates the combined longliner/purse-seiner vessel “Østerfjord,” newly built in 2021.
Fishing Operations
Østerbris AS is well-structured with quotas, engaging in combined trawl and seine fishing. The trawl fishing primarily targets blue whiting west of Ireland, while herring and mackerel are mainly caught using seines. The new vessel will be operated under the same principles.

New Vessel Collaboration
This is the first collaboration between Østerbris AS and Karstensens Shipyard. Both parties have had a positive and constructive phase leading up to the contract signing and are looking forward to working together on this exciting project. Karstensens Shipyard is honoured by the loyalty and trust shown by Østerbris AS by commissioning their new ship in Skagen.
Vessel Design and Specifications
The new build concept is considered highly attractive both economically and technically. It was crucial for Østerbris AS to have full influence during the design phase, ensuring the project is tailored to their specific needs and requirements.
The design, layout, and arrangements have been developed in close collaboration between the shipping company and the shipyard, focusing on innovative and optimised solutions. Special emphasis has been placed on optimising working conditions, safety, and comfort for the crew.
Like other pelagic vessels under construction by the shipyard for owners in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, and Norway, the new “Østerbris” is also of their own design. Suppliers are being selected based on sustainability, energy optimisation, innovation, quality, and operational reliability.
The winch system will be provided by Karmøy Winch, known for its reliable hydraulic systems. Generally, the new vessel will feature significant contributions from Norwegian suppliers.

The comprehensive ship design, including the propulsion system, has been carefully evaluated based on the company’s operational profile. In line with the goal of sustainable fishing with minimal NOX/CO2 emissions per kg of caught fish, the vessel is designed with large cargo capacity and multiple RSW tanks, and a fuel-optimised system with two main engines of 3600 kW each. The ship will primarily operate on one engine for most of the time, ensuring optimal efficiency.
Propulsion and Technical Details
The propulsion system is optimised for the operational pattern, with around 80% of the time being free sailing, using a large single propeller with a diameter of 4500 mm. The main engines will be supplied by Bergen Engines, while the gearbox and propeller system will be provided by Norwegian company Brunvoll.
Main Dimensions and Technical Data
– Length overall: 86.00 m
– Moulded breadth: 17.50 m
– Greatest breadth: 18.50 m
– Depth to 2nd deck: 9.00 m
– Cargo capacity, RSW tanks: 3460 m³
Additional Technical Data
– Main engine system: Bergen Engines
– Gear-propeller system: Brunvoll Volda
– Auxiliary machinery: Scania, 2 x 600 kW
– Side thrusters: 2 x Brunvoll, 1400 kW
– Winch equipment: Karmøy Winch

Karstensens Shipyard is committed to delivering a state-of-the-art vessel that meets Østerbris AS’s high standards for efficiency, sustainability, and crew welfare.
Source: Press Release