The Faroese pelagic vessel Fagraberg has been laid up in Søldarfjørður and put up for sale after its owners purchased a new vessel to replace it.

The ship, which entered service in 1999, has been a key part of the Faroese pelagic fleet for more than two decades. Crew members say the vessel has continued to fish alongside many newer vessels throughout its lifetime.

Related: Faroese pelagic fleet lands fish worth €322m in 2025 despite lower catches

Engine crew members who have served on the vessel for decades recently spoke to Føroyska Sjómannsmissiónin about their time on board as the ship prepares to leave service.

A vessel with a long service history

Fagraberg was originally built in 1999 under the name Krúnborg. It replaced an older vessel of the same name that was sold to Norway.

Related: New vessel set to join Faroe Islands Pelagic Fleet in 2026

Engineer Hans Pauli Olsen said he has sailed on the vessel since it entered service.

“I have sailed with this ship since it arrived in autumn 1999. It has been a great workplace with a good crew and good owners,” he said.

When launched, the vessel could carry about 2,500 tonnes. In 2004, it was lengthened at a shipyard in Poland, increasing its capacity to about 3,200 tonnes.

Continual upgrades over the years

According to chief engineer Tórarinn Didriksen, the vessel remains in good condition despite having been at sea for many years.

Several upgrades have been carried out over the years, especially after the vessel was acquired by the Faroese fishing company Framherji.

Crew member Niels Pauli Toftegaard said the ship has continued to perform well compared with newer vessels.

“Even though Fagraberg is from 1999, it has fished at least as well as the new vessels,” he said.

Mixed feelings among the crew

For the crew, the end of service for Fagraberg brings mixed emotions.

Sailors described the vessel as a strong workplace with a close-knit crew and good cooperation on board.

While saying farewell to a vessel that has served the fleet for many years, the crew also look forward to joining the new ship that will replace it.