Fuel Efficient Doors

OPENING NEW DOORS - Researchers are testing steel cambered trawl doors to help shrimpers reduce their fuel costs.

In the Region
Studies conducted by Gary Graham of Texas Sea Grant show fuel savings between 25-30% during actual fishing conditions. Fisheries extension agents in Mississippi report similar success: new models can cut fuel consumption from around 30 gallons/hour during harvesting to about 19 gallons. With this level of fuel saving potential, new doors would pay for themselves within approximately six months. In addition, preliminary studies in Louisiana showed that vessels using cambered doors used 50% less horsepower while maintaining the same level of drag (DNR, 2005).

Here in Georgia
In the Southeast, shrimp boats tend to be smaller than those in the Gulf fishery. Therefore, modified doors need to be tested here to determine if local shrimpers might benefit from the new door designs. It is likely that fuel savings would not be as dramatic as in the Gulf, due to the smaller scale of the fishery.


In addition, the South Atlantic fishery targets white shrimp, which requires much more turning and fishing of a “tight” bottom. Doors will need to be tested here to determine their performance under local conditions.

Preliminary results from South Carolina look promising. One South Carolina shrimper has reported fuel savings between 2– 3 gallons per hour using cambered doors (Cooke, 2006). As he puts it, with 20% fuel savings, every fifth trip he makes is free.


What's the plan?
Here in Brunswick, UGA Marine Extension will test the doors aboard our research vessel, the R/V Georgia Bulldog. We will determine the fuel saving potential of the doors, as well as the possible effects on shrimp landings. We want your input! Once we have some results, we'll host a workshop to tell you about the work. Meanwhile, if you want more information, please call us or come by anytime!


Will cambered doors help GA shrimpers?
Cambered doors may reduce operating costs and last longer than aluminum or wooden doors, but they are also more expensive. Shrimpers interested in making an investment in this fuel saving gear should have all the facts.

Back to Top