The background for the project is that today's trawling has some challenges: High fuel consumption, damage to the seabed, trawl net damage, challenges with controlling the trawl's course and depth, and trawler’s traction power determines the trawl size and by-catch. At the same time, the trawler industry is using more technology and is more open to automation.

ECO Trawl AS was launched in June 2016 and is based on an idea of ??automating trawling using offshore and marine technology.

The idea is to place powerful electric propeller units (thrusters) where the trawl doors are today on a trawl. The propeller units replace the traction power from the tractor propeller and the propeller units get electric power from a generator on the trawler. The Thruster units are controlled in the water with side and depth rudders. A trawler control system collects sensor data and controls the propeller units and thus the trawl's course and depth in the water. Such a solution will provide a far more environmentally friendly and efficient trawl.

Preliminary concept studies show that on an average trawler could increase the catch volume by up to 20%, saving a significant amount of fuel in addition to reducing ocean floor damage. Such a project can have a great value creation potential nationally and internationally.