Lê Tấn Thêm (right), Director of Lê Thêm Boats Service Trading Manufacturing Company Limited, instructs his worker on how to make technological devices for fishing vessels.—VNA/VNS Photo Lê Phước Ngọc

QUY NHƠN — For more than two decades, Lê Tấn Thêm, Director of Lê Thêm Boats Service Trading Manufacturing Company Limited in Quy Nhơn City, the coastal central province of Bình Định, has made a series of innovative technological solutions to modernise offshore fishing vessels and contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the local fisheries industry.

Thêm, known among peers as a "barefoot engineer" due to his hands-on approach and deep connection with fishing communities, has travelled extensively and engaged closely with fishermen.

Their stories of hardship inspired him to develop practical, cost-effective technologies that could ease their burdens at sea.

Drawing on his real-world experience, he set out to invent tools that would empower the fishermen to venture further offshore with greater confidence.

“In the beginning, I just focused on producing simple items to replace imported components,” Thêm recalled. “But as fishermen's demands increased, I was encouraged to expand both the scale and range of products.”

His breakthrough came with the decision to use 304-grade stainless steel to manufacture hydraulic cylinders, replacing traditional chrome-plated steel, which corrodes easily in marine environments.

“Although it's slightly more expensive, the material is much more durable, operates smoothly and resists rust. Everyone who uses it is satisfied,” he said.

Beyond material innovation, Thêm developed a smart hydraulic steering system with integrated GPS and remote-control technology.

This allows for seamless switching between manual and automatic modes, making steering effortless and reducing the need for constant manual operation.

The system also keeps vessels stable and on course, enhancing safety throughout long journeys.

With approximately 80 per cent of components produced domestically, this solution cuts costs by VNĐ15–30 million (US$575-1,150) per vessel, nearly halving the price compared to imported equivalents.

Thêm also imports automatic steering equipment, adapting its design to suit local conditions and offering installation support to fishermen.

His integration of the hydraulic system with the auto-steering mechanism has produced an optimised control solution, enabling rudder angles of up to 80 degrees, ideal for navigating in tight spaces.

The innovation won first prize at the 13th Bình Định Provincial Technical Innovation Contest (2022–23).

Võ Văn Hận, a 37-year-old fisherman from the Mekong Delta province of Kiên Giang and owner of fishing vessel KG 94396-TS, said he bought the hydraulic steering system and automatic steering controller from Thêm.

“The equipment is very reliable and durable,” he added.

It significantly reduces manual labour and increases income.

“Before, a trip required five to six crew members but now, just two are enough,” he said.

Many others have shown interest in buying it too.

Trần Đình Nguyên, a 53-year-old fisherman in the coastal central province of Bình Định, who operates vessel BĐ91167-TS, said the hydraulic system has made his job much easier.

“No more hours of non-stop manual steering. Fishing trips are far less exhausting now,” he said.

Recently, Thêm successfully trialled a seawater desalination machine integrated with UV sterilisation.

He optimised the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane to increase water output and constructed seawater-exposed components from 316-grade stainless steel to resist corrosion.

Another notable invention is a high-pressure pump built to withstand saltwater, offering a locally made alternative to expensive imports.

His version halves the price, from VNĐ60 million ($2,300) to just VNĐ30 million ($1,150) while delivering a filtration rate of 400 litres per hour, three to five times higher than comparable models (which typically range from 80 to 130 litres per hour).

The drinking water of Thêm's company meets 26 quality standards, verified by the Central Environment Experiment and Quality Verification Company.

The development eases a major concern about water sources for fishermen on long offshore trips.

In 2024, Thêm’s company was officially recognised as a science and technology enterprise by the province.

The company currently offers nine certified products, including stainless-steel steering wheels, hydraulic rods, mounting brackets, oil tanks, height-adjustable feet, oil coolers, camshafts and throttle controls - testament to the company’s tireless efforts.

Thêm’s products have not only gained the trust of domestic fishermen nationwide but are also beginning to reach international markets.

In 2024 alone, the company sold over 830 products.

Huỳnh Xuân Trường, Head of Technology and Telecommunications Office under the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said the hydraulic steering system is an excellent example of mechanical and automation engineering, with proven economic benefits.

“It’s compact, easy to operate and particularly effective in rough weather,” he said.

The kind of local innovation reduces dependency on imports and paves the way for more sustainable fisheries development in the country.— VNS