Samherji, the Icelandic fishing company, have welcomed its latest pelagic vessel into Akureyri following a string of successful herring trips. The focus is now shifting to capelin fishing.
Samherji’s newly acquired pelagic vessel Bjarni Ólafsson AK-70 has arrived at its new home port, Akureyri, where it will be renamed Margrét ahead of the coming capelin season.
The vessel (purchased in mid-October) has already made several herring trips off east Iceland. Its latest landing was 900 tonnes at Fáskrúðsfjörður.
Fifth vessel to carry the Margrét name
The renaming will make it the fifth vessel in Samherji’s history to bear the name Margrét.
Built in 1999 and arriving in Iceland in 2015, the vessel is a trawler/purse seine combination that gives Samherji flexibility in its pelagic fisheries.
Captain Hjörtur Valsson says the vessel has done very well, even with unsettled weather on the first fishing trips.
Powerful engine and upgraded equipment
Valsson says the vessel has strong pulling power and can tow large fishing gear. The purse seine gear also offers several operational advantages.
Several systems have already been modernised (including the refrigeration and unloading equipment), though there is still a long way to go.
Valsson described the vessel as seaworthy, quiet and very comfortable for the crew.
Preparing for the capelin season
The vessel will now go in for routine maintenance before preparations begin for the forthcoming capelin fishery.
Valsson hopes the capelin quota will increase and feels the vessel is well equipped for the season.
It has trawling power as well as purse seine capability, which could be very useful as Samherji prepares for its next round of pelagic fishing.
The newly acquired Bjarni Ólafsson (soon to be Margrét) is in Eyjafjörður, en route to its new home port of Akureyri. Photo: Samherji/Bjarney Anna Þórsdóttir.