Trio of Síldarvinnslan vessels deliver almost 8,000 tonnes of Blue Whiting to its processing plant in Neskaupstaður in 24 hours
Trio of Síldarvinnslan Vessels Deliver Strong Start to Blue Whiting Season
Almost 8,000 tonnes of blue whiting have arrived in Neskaupstaður in just over 24 hours, marking a strong opening to the blue whiting season for Síldarvinnslan. The vessel Barði NK arrived late on Monday night, 13 April, carrying 1,720 tonnes.
It was followed by Börkur NK with 3,250 tonnes and Beitir NK, which landed a further 2,950 tonnes.
All landings were delivered to Síldarvinnslan’s fishmeal plant in Neskaupstaður, which has now begun full operations for the season.
Fishing Improves Rapidly in the Grey Area
Captain Theodór Haraldsson of Barði NK said fishing conditions improved significantly over the course of the trip. The vessel operated in the grey area south of Faroese jurisdiction.
“When we arrived at the fishing grounds, there wasn’t much to see, but that changed as we went along,” he said. “Towards the end we saw fish in a large area and the fishing was tough. We caught the catch in five holes and it was a short haul of eight to ten hours.”
According to Theodór, individual hauls ranged between 200 and 450 tonnes. However, weather conditions were challenging throughout the trip.
“The weather was miserable the whole time. The wind was usually around 20 metres and for one 15-hour period we couldn’t stay still. Then the wind increased to 30 metres,” he said.
Despite the conditions, he remains optimistic about the days ahead. “It’s clear that the fish were entering the grey area during the days we were there, and I think we can expect very good fishing in the near future.”
Factory Operations Start at Full Capacity
Hafþór Eiríksson, factory manager at Síldarvinnslan’s fishmeal plant, said the arrival of the first vessels has allowed the factory to begin the season at full pace.
“The vessel arrived last night and the factory is in full swing,” he said. “It’s starting off with a bang because Börkur and Beitir are both expected with full loads.”
Hafþór said early impressions of the raw material were positive and that expectations for the season are high.
“At first glance, I like the raw material. We are starting an exciting processing season and hopefully the fishing will remain good so that the processing can be as continuous as possible. Here at the factory, people are liking this blue whiting season that is starting.”
The strong flow of landings within such a short timeframe suggests a promising continuation of blue whiting fishing activity in the coming days.
