An agreement has been struck between Norwegian naval architect Skipsteknisk and Canadian company Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation (QFC) for a new trawler to replace the company’s existing Saputi, which dates back to 1987.
The new Saputi II will be a 79 metre LOA by 17 metre breadth factory freezer trawler with a carrying capacity for 800 tonnes of shrimp or 1200 tonnes of turbot (Greenland halibut), a significant upgrade on the current trawler’s fishroom space for 600 tonnes of shrimp or 900 tonnes of turbot.
‘We report that design work is nearing completion and we are extremely pleased with the results,’ states Harry Flaherty QC President and CEO.
‘Saputi II will increase overall harvests and production and reduce overall cost per ton of finished product and provide more jobs for Nunavummiut,’ said QC chairman Olayuk Akesuk.
‘QC and its wholly owned subsidiary QFC have been pioneers in the development of the Nunavut offshore shrimp and turbot fishery and this latest endeavour shows our ongoing commitment to the fishery and maximising benefits to Nunavummiut.’
In addition to harvesting offshore shrimp QFC is also actively involved in the harvesting of offshore turbot in NAFO fishing areas of 0A and 0B.
‘Our design philosophy is to create ships for specific purposes with the most suitable equipment, the best possible performance, the lowest possible emissions, the highest levels of safety and with an elegant appearance,’ said Skipsteknisk fishing vessels sales manager Inge Bertil Straume.
‘We are honoured to have been chosen by QFC to design the Saputi II, representing the Nunavut’s new generation multi species factory freezer trawler.’
