An order has been placed by Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) with the Freire yard in Spain for a new factory freezer trawler with a 79 metre overall length and a 17 metre beam, designed to operate on shrimp and Greenland halibut.
‘QC and its wholly owned subsidiary QFC have been pioneers in the development of the Nunavut offshore shrimp and turbot fishery and this latest endeavor shows our ongoing commitment to the fishery and maximizing benefits to Nunavummiut,’ said Tommy Akavak, Chairman of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.
QC went to Skipsteknisk in Norway for the design of the new Saputi II, supported by Allswater Marine Consultants. The new vessel will have capacity for around 750 tonnes of shrimp or 1100 tonnes of frozen Greenland halibut – a substantial increase on the 580-tonne shrimp and 900-tonne Greenland halibut of the current Saputi.
The build also incorporates the latest technology for fishing and processing, as well as providing a high level of comfort for the 28-30 crew, while boosting QC’s operational efficiencies.
‘At the heart of this endeavor is our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible fisheries management. With a chosen engine that sets a new standard for efficiency in its class, we aim to not only provide top- quality seafood to the world but also to protect the pristine Arctic environment we call home,’ said Harry Flaherty, President and CEO Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.
‘Qikiqtaaluk Corporation is proud to sign this contract with Friere for the construction of the Saputi II. I wish to thank Skipsteknisk, Allswater and our dedicated staff at QC and QFC for all their hard work in getting us to this important milestone.’
Qikiqtaaluk Corporation is a wholly owned Inuit birthright development corporation created by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. Created in 1983, QC’s purpose is to provide employment and financial opportunities for Inuit in the region. QC has a remarkable track record in Inuit training, capacity building and employment successes. Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of QC, and it owns and operates the multi-species factory freezer vessel Saputi. In addition to harvesting offshore shrimp, QFC is also actively involved in the fishery for Greenland halibut in NAFO fishing areas of 0A and 0B.
