The Icelandic pelagic trawler Hoffell is preparing to leave Tórshavn to fish for blue whiting in Faroese waters, weather permitting. Repair work at the MEST shipyard is now complete, according to the Faroese Seamen’s Mission.
The vessel called at Tórshavn after a leak was detected between cargo hold tanks. MEST carried out the repair. Once bunkering is finished, the crew plans to sail.
Repairs finished at MEST
Hoffell, from Fáskrúðsfjörður, had planned to fish for blue whiting but diverted to Tórshavn due to the leak. The issue has now been fixed. The skipper, Sigurður Bjarnason, said the work at MEST is done and the vessel will head to sea if conditions allow.
He added that strong winds could affect the plan. If weather or other factors delay blue whiting fishing, the vessel may instead target capelin in Icelandic waters. Capelin quotas were expected to be announced shortly, he said.
Fishing plans depend on the weather and quotas
Asked about recent results, the skipper described 2025 as workable, though not as strong as 2024. He expressed hope for a better year ahead.
The Seamen’s Mission visited the crew during the port stay. The crew also followed Iceland’s handball match against Slovenia en route.
Vessel details and crew
Hoffell was built in 2008. The vessel is 75.4 metres long and 15.6 metres wide, with a cargo capacity of 2,500 tonnes. It fishes for capelin with a purse seine and sometimes herring. It also trawls for blue whiting, mackerel and herring. Nine crew are on board, with 11 linked to the vessel.