The Washing Machine Built for the Ocean

How Bowman and a Faroe Islands engineering innovator turned an ambitious concept into a dependable marine machine

The North Atlantic is one of the most challenging environments on the planet for mechanical equipment. Saltwater accelerates wear, temperature swings create unpredictable loading conditions and the sheer weight of waterlogged materials can overwhelm even well designed machinery. For companies that support the region’s seafood industry, reliability is not a luxury. It is the only way to maintain continuous operation in a landscape defined by harsh weather, long working hours and limited room for error.

When commercial fishing nets return from the sea, they arrive in enormous bundles saturated with saltwater and often weighing several tonnes. Before they can be reused, they must be thoroughly cleaned. This task is essential for both safety and sustainability. However, the industry has long relied on equipment that was not specifically designed for the scale and intensity of modern offshore operations. Nomatek, an engineering company in the Faroe Islands, recognised the problem and set out to create a machine that could clean fishing nets in a more controlled, efficient and repeatable way.

Nomatek’s goal was to design a large drum based washing system that behaved in principle like an oversized washing machine. The drum would rotate continuously, lifting and dropping heavy sections of net in and out of water in order to remove salt, marine debris and micro particles. The idea was simple and elegant, but the real world forces involved were anything but. Each rotation of the drum generated shifting loads, sudden impacts, fluctuating torque and constant exposure to abrasive saltwater. The operational environment was one where failure would not only interrupt workflow but could also risk damaging expensive nets and costly infrastructure.

“It is similar to a normal washing machine in concept,” says Jákup Magnussen, Project Manager at Nomatek. “Only this one has to survive the North Atlantic, and that is an entirely different challenge.”

Nomatek knew that the success of the machine depended heavily on the performance of the bearing system. It was the component that carried the load, allowed rotation and had to resist the combined effects of saltwater, shock forces and continuous vibration. For that reason, Nomatek approached Bowman, an international bearing manufacturer with significant experience in precision engineered, high performance bearing systems. Bowman’s engineers were brought in early to understand the mechanical demands and identify the most suitable approach.

Bowman’s task was clear. They needed to design a bearing arrangement that would operate reliably despite long term exposure to water and contamination. The solution also had to support substantial radial loads created by the drum and the rapidly changing weight of the nets inside it. Maintenance access was limited, so any solution had to minimise service requirements and resist the corrosive effects of saltwater over long periods.

Working collaboratively with Nomatek, Bowman developed a custom bearing system tailored specifically to the marine environment. A major innovation came from Bowman 3D, the company’s additive manufacturing division. They designed and produced a custom flexible seal that prevented water ingress while still allowing the drum to rotate smoothly and efficiently. This seal was made from a rubber like material that provided both durability and flexibility. It also allowed the overall assembly to maintain the necessary tolerances for reliable operation in a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

“That one small innovation made all the difference,” says Adam Pearce, Technical Sales Engineer at Bowman. “It turned a potential design risk into a low maintenance system with reliable long term performance in extremely challenging conditions.”

Engineering the bearing system was only one part of the project. Delivering precision components to the Faroe Islands presented its own logistical challenges. Shipping routes are limited and lead times can vary depending on weather and transport availability. Bowman worked directly with Nomatek’s logistics team to ensure that all components arrived on schedule and were ready for immediate installation, avoiding delays that could disrupt the project timeline.

Once installed, the system began operating exactly as intended. Today, two machines are in full service. One operates at Vónin in the Faroe Islands, and the other is in Iceland. Both machines have demonstrated consistent performance while enduring one of the harshest industrial settings imaginable. They have helped seafood producers maintain cleaner nets, reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency without sacrificing reliability.

This project stands as an example of how thoughtful engineering and close collaboration can solve problems that initially appear too demanding for conventional solutions. It highlights the value of combining additive manufacturing, precision bearing design and practical application knowledge to create machinery that meets real world challenges head on.

From offshore environments to inland manufacturing, the principle remains the same. When conditions are extreme, engineering must adapt and innovate. Nomatek’s vision and Bowman’s bearing expertise created a solution that proves what is possible. With the right partnership, even a washing machine built for the ocean becomes a reliable part of daily industrial life.

Source: bowman.co.uk