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

A Nelson-based business, Maidenfleet, says it aims to develop the first crew-free commercial fishing boats by building autonomous vessels that can operate without humans on board and be controlled remotely. Chief executive Dan Burrows told how autonomous boats are already used for research and surveillance, but not yet for catching fish, and he frames the move as a way to improve inshore fishing efficiency. Burrows expects prototypes to be on the water within five years, following research and development that he estimates could take three to five years or sooner if funding is available. The company says its approach removes “labor content,” freeing up space by reducing features designed for people and potentially shrinking vessel size and capital outlay. Burrows began self-funding, including operating Shipwright Services in Nelson for marine carpentry, composite repairs, structural work, interior fit-outs, and finishing. The development is described as drawing on existing technologies from other industries.