Future Cutter "KUNO" to Modernize Coastal Fishery - Future Cutter "KUNO" to Modernize Coastal Fishery
A new cutter design, named Future Cutter North Sea (KUNO), is being developed in East Frisia to modernise fishing along Germany’s North Sea coast. The federal government has pledged around ten million euros to support the project, which aims to make fishing more sustainable and adaptable to future challenges.
Silvia Breher, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, officially handed over the funding notification to researchers at Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences. She described KUNO as a 'true flagship project' for an industry under pressure from shrinking fishing grounds and stricter environmental rules.
The KUNO prototype will run on eco-friendly methanol instead of traditional marine diesel. This shift is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions in the fishing sector. Alongside the vessel, the project includes plans for a dedicated refuelling station where methanol-powered cutters can replenish their supplies.
The vessel itself is designed for flexibility. It will be capable of shrimp and plaice fishing, taking tourists to seal sandbanks, and gathering scientific data for research. This adaptability aims to secure the long-term future of small-scale fishing operations in the region. Several institutions are collaborating on the project. These include the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (IFF) in Magdeburg, the German Maritime and Shipbuilding Institute (DSV), and the Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN). The Thünen Institute of Sea Fisheries and the Wadden Sea National Park Administration are also contributing expertise. The development of KUNO ties into the recently announced fleet adjustment programme, which seeks to phase out older, less efficient vessels. Marco Rimkus, President of Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, highlighted that the multimillion-euro funding allows the institution to address key regional challenges through practical innovation.
With ten million euros in federal backing, the KUNO project will advance sustainable fishing in the North Sea. The methanol-powered cutter and its supporting infrastructure aim to reduce environmental impact while keeping the industry viable. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to modernise Germany’s fishing fleet.
