Icelandic seafood company VSV says blue whiting processing has run almost without breaks since mid-April at its fishmeal plant in Vestmannaeyjar.
The company started processing blue whiting on 16 April. Factory manager Unnar Hólm Ólafsson said operations have gone well, with only short pauses between deliveries.
Six Landings Delivered
Pelagic vessels Huginn and Gullberg have delivered six cargoes during the period. VSV expects more than 11,000 tonnes of blue whiting to pass through the factory before processing ends next weekend.
The company said the fish is well-suited for fishmeal production at the moment. However, the blue whiting is relatively lean. That has reduced fish oil output compared with normal levels.
Electricity Costs Remain a Problem
VSV said production currently depends entirely on oil for steam generation because the factory’s electric boiler is out of service.
According to the company, power supply and transmission capacity are available. Still, electricity prices are not competitive enough for the plant to use the electric system.
Stocks Building Ahead of Exports
The company also said fishmeal stocks are in a good position and warehouses are filling up. Export shipments are planned over the coming weeks.
VSV added that a shipment of capelin oil is due to leave Iceland later this week.