Fishing & Offshore Scales
Motion-compensated bench scales in AISI 316 for weighing, packing and labelling catch on fishing vessels and for weighing work offshore.
Bench scales for working decks
A bench scale on a fishing vessel is used for hours at a time: boxes of sorted catch go on, a weight is read or printed, and the next box follows. The scale has to settle quickly while the vessel moves, survive repeated washdown and pass its data to printers or software. The M2 Series is WPL's answer to that job, with five platform sizes from 300×250 mm to 800×600 mm and capacities from 6 kg to 400 kg.
What to look for
- Motion compensation. An ordinary scale on a moving deck shows a reading that rises and falls with the waves. Why ordinary scales fail at sea explains why, and how motion compensation works explains the correction.
- Materials and cleaning. EU hygiene rules require surfaces on board that touch fishery products to be corrosion-resistant, smooth and easy to clean (Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, Annex III, Section VIII). The M2 is made of AISI 316 stainless steel with smooth, rounded edges.
- Capacity and readability. A lower capacity gives finer readability. See capacity and readability explained and the platform size guide.
- Connections. USB, RS232 and Ethernet link the M2 to label printers, network systems, catch-management software and Excel.
Official catch weighing
Where catch is weighed on board for EU fisheries control, the weighing system must be approved, calibrated and sealed in accordance with national law, with the flag state responsible (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1932, Art. 5, applicable from 11 January 2027). Read EU fisheries control weighing rules and tell WPL how the scale will be used when you request a quote.
Where these scales are used
M2 scales are used on trawlers, longliners and small-scale vessels and in onboard processing, as well as for general weighing on offshore vessels. For printing box labels at the scale, see labelling fish boxes at sea.
FAQ
Which scale is suitable for weighing fish boxes on a trawler?
For boxes of sorted catch, a motion-compensated bench scale such as the M2 is the usual choice. Pick a platform that fits your box with some clearance and a capacity that covers a full box plus tare. The configurator on the M2 page shows which combinations exist.
Can a bench scale print labels directly?
Yes. The M2 connects to label printers and labelling equipment through USB, RS232 or Ethernet, so a label can be printed as each box is weighed. Tell WPL which data your labels must carry when you request a quote.
Can I use a marine scale on a small vessel without mains power?
A battery is available as an option for the M2, and the S, M and L platforms can be supplied with a carrying case. Describe the power supply on your vessel in your quote request so WPL can advise on the right set-up.
Tell us what you weigh and where
Every vessel is different. Share your application and we will recommend a scale, platform size and options – with a no-obligation quote.