Nelson business aims to build first crew-free commercial fishing boats

A Nelson-based company, Maidenfleet, is aiming to build the first crew-free commercial fishing boats that can operate autonomously and be controlled remotely. The business plans to have prototypes on the water within five years, adapting autonomous-vessel technology currently used for research and surveillance rather than catching fish. Maidenfleet CEO Dan Burrows said the approach is designed to reduce dependence on crew amid staffing pressures, while improving safety, labour resilience and fisheries data collection. He also noted potential efficiency gains by removing people-centric space, which could allow smaller vessels and lower capital outlay. The company is developing prototypes that look unlike traditional fishing boats, drawing on existing technologies from other industries. Burrows previously self-funded the effort and runs Shipwright Services in Nelson.