Aker BioMarine invest €112.6 million in new krill vessel

Norwegian krill player Aker BioMarine has commissioned a new environmentally-friendly krill fishing vessel, at a cost of around €112.6 million (NOK 1 billion).

The 130-metre-long krill fishing vessel that will fish in the Antarctic will be constructed in Norway by VARD and will be equipped with state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology.

Matts Johansen, CEO at Aker BioMarine said since the company was established in 2006 it has focused on sustainable krill fishing.

“From day one, we have worked with WWF Norway,” he said. “The krill fishery in the Antarctica is one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world, and Aker BioMarine hopes to yet again set a new bar for sustainable harvesting with this new vessel. Norwegian skills and new technology will help us reduce our carbon footprint even further with this vessel.”

The contract for the production of the vessel has a financing clause, with Aker BioMarine seeking finance through the Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency (GIEK).

“We have a good financing plan and look forward to beginning the application process with GIEK immediately,” said Johansen.

Construction is planned to begin in May this year – and the vessel is expected to complete at the end of 2018 and ready for operation in the Antarctic from the beginning of the 2019 season.