SPECIFICATION SHEET

Netting Technology

NORWAY STD

Net Factory in Norway

Refa was founded in 1949, and soon dominated the production and supply of fishing gear in Norway.

Today Refa has expanded into the fish farming industry and other markets beyond the fishing industry. Export of fish-farming and fishery technology has become an increasing part of the business.

Refa has long experience and knowledge of materials and technology in rope and net production, constantly investing in the development of its technical expertise. With our own production of thread and net, we have complete control on quality from the raw material up to the finished product.

MATERIAL SCIENCE

HDPE Polymers: Sapphire Aquaculture Netting

Sapphire netting is manufactured from Specialized HDPE Polymers to enhance durability and strength.

Its compact twine construction restricts the penetration of mud and fouling organisms. The smooth finish provides minimum drag resistance, discourages the attachment of marine life, and allows for easier washing of the net.

Critical Durability Attributes:

• Knot breaking strength
• Twine Abrasion resistance

In demanding exploitation conditions, nets tend to fail in the knots and through abrasion, rather than by breakage of the twine itself. Sapphire is the result of 6 years of R&D effort combined with testing in demanding fisheries and aquaculture applications (Tunas, Cod, Sea bream).

PERFORMANCE METRICS

Operational Deployment

Tuna Cages

3.8 mm Sapphire twine in 80mm Half-mesh (b.s. 440 kgf). Reduces drag resistance, enabling immediate speed increases and up to 20% lower fuel consumption during cage towing.

Sea Bream & Sea Bass

1.2 – 1.7 mm Sapphire twine in 20 – 26 mm Half-mesh. Preferred for high-strength requirements, resistance to rough handling, and bio-fouling reduction.

Bird Protection & Standards

Twisted Sapphire (1.2 – 1.7 mm) is also favoured for anti-bird protection nets (mesh sizes 80 – 120 mm). All cage nets are mounted to specific requirements exceeding DNV & NS-9415 norms for offshore farms.