A contract to build one of the largest and most
eco-friendly commercial fishing vessels constructed in the United States has been signed by
Alaskan Leader Fisheries LLC, an Alaskan fishing company, and J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding
Corporation of Tacoma, Washington
The F/V NORTHERN LEADER will be a 184’ x 42’x 18.75’ freezer-longliner designed for service in the Alaskan longline fisheries of the North Pacific, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands. The vessel will target Alaska Cod, Sablefish, and other groundfish species. The vessel will be one of the largest longliners in the world with over 38,000 cu.ft. of refrigerated fishhold with an estimated capacity of 1,867,025 lbs. of frozen seafood.
In announcing the contract signing, Robin Samuelsen, Chairman of Alaskan Leader Fisheries LLC and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation of Dillingham, Alaska said “The NORTHERN LEADER will be one of the most
technologically advanced and innovative commercial fishing vessels ever built. Our ship design will combine an extremely ecosystem friendly fishing system, onboard processing capacities featuring complete utilization of the vessel’s targeted catches, and propulsion and generator systems that will substantially reduce fuel usage.”
“For centuries Alaskans have survived a harsh yet giving land by having complete and unabiding respect for our environment. This vessel represents the responsibility of our stewardship of nature’s resources and the necessity to fully utilize what we harvest. The
continuing sustainability of Alaska’s resources is only possible by choosing fishing technology that has minimal environmental impact”
“I’m very proud that Alaskans are providing the leadership in rebuilding our aging offshore fleets. Many of the freezer-longliners fishing in Alaska are approximately 70 years old”.
“New vessels also provide greater safety for our crews and create many new jobs that start with the building of the vessel and will continue for many years in the harvesting, valueadding, and world-wide marketing of the vessel’s catch. Alaska’s universal reputation for
producing the highest quality seafood is unsurpassed”.
In commenting on the contract signing Joe Martinac Jr., President of J.M. Martinac Shipyard stated “The NORTHERN LEADER project represents many positives for both Martinac and our highly valued employees. To have this vessel built in the Pacific Northwest is important to many other Northwest maritime companies. Our livelihoods are interdependent upon a healthy and productive local economy. Without a strong and competitive shipbuilding industry many of the participants in our maritime industries suffer when the output of our shipyards slows or stops completely.”
“ Technological advancements incorporated over the last twenty years in other sectors of work vessel construction such as tugs, oil-sector service vessels, and overseas fishing vessels are being incorporated into the NORTHERN LEADER design. A generation of technological advancements and innovation, lost in the absence of the construction of larger U.S commercial fishing vessels, is being incorporated into this vessel’s design.”
Mr. Martinac estimates that a project of this scope will create over 100 full-time jobs at Martinac and many additional jobs at other companies that will provide goods and service support over the 16 month construction timeline. Delivery of the vessel to Alaskan Leader Fisheries is scheduled for late April 2013.
In discussing the project, Robert J. Wurm, Chief Executive Officer of Alaskan Leader Fisheries, said “We are very appreciative to have our new vessel built in the Pacific Northwest. J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding is a great shipyard that well represents the finest traditions of Northwest shipbuilding. As a complete Union Trade facility its employees are some of the best craftsmen anywhere. Martinac is a testament to the competiveness and technological innovation that thrives in the Greater Puget Sound area. They represent in the best light the strong work ethic and productivity that has helped make the Pacific Northwest renowned for both industrial spirit and advanced shipbuilding skills – past, present, and future.
Jensen Maritime Consultants (JMC), a prominent Seattle naval architecture firm, will provide a complete engineering package that includes everything from concept to production engineering. Jensen’s new production engineering department will deliver a 3D model and assembly package that supports efficient vessel construction.
Northwest Farm Credit Services of Seattle, will provide financing for the “NORTHERN LEADER” construction project.
Alaskan Leader Fisheries LLC is one of the largest Alaskan longline companies with four freezer-longliners, a seafood marketing company, a vessel management company, and a marine equipment fabricating enterprise. Established in 1990 in Kodiak, Alaska by seven Alaskan fishing families, the overall operation is based on a cooperative model with active participation by the company’s owners. Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation and the original founding families have an equal 50%-50% ownership interest in the company.
When the NORTHERN LEADER is completed in the Spring of 2013 the vessel will be home ported in Kodiak with the primary port of operation being Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
