The first new offshore groundfish trawler to join the Canadian fleet since the 1980s, the new Calvert has docked in St Johns after its 4200 nautical mile delivery trip from Turkey.
‘Today marks a significant milestone for our company, our 1700 employees and the fishing industry, one that started over two years ago and has been made possible by the hard work, vision and dedication of many people,’ said Ocean Choice International president Blaine Sullivan as he welcomed the new trawler to its home port for the first time.
‘We believe in the future of the fishery and Newfoundland and Labrador and we are committed to making investments today that will support a thriving, sustainable fishery for generations to come. Our new vessel is a great example of this commitment.’
Ocean Choice’s new vessel is expected to create 70 new year-round, full-time jobs, employing highly skilled Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In addition to the direct employment, Calvert will generate $7 million in annual salaries and over $13 million in direct economic spin-off for local business throughout the province.
With a green class designation, the Calvert features a broad suite of green harvesting and processing technologies and energy efficiency features, making it one of the most efficient fishing vessels in the Canadian groundfish fleet. These technologies reduce the vessel’s carbon footprint and help ensure the most sustainable harvesting practices.
‘Our new vessel is a great example of Ocean Choice’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment,‘ said Martin Sullivan, CEO, Ocean Choice.
‘Ensuring we sustainably manage our ocean resources today and well into the future is something that is important to us and our customers. Ensuring the vessel has the latest green technologies has been one of our main priorities from day one. Our green investments will save up to 2.8 million kWh of energy and over 519 tonnes of fuel annually.’
The 74 metre Calvert is Ocean Choice’s largest vessel, designed by Skipsteknisk in Norway and built by Tersan in Turkey. The processing facility was built and installed by local company, C&W Industrial Fabrication. Calvert will harvest market-ready yellowtail flounder, redfish and other groundfish species that will be sold to markets worldwide.
Calvert gets its name from the community of Calvert, on Newfoundland’s southern shore, where owners Martin and Blaine Sullivan grew up in a fishing family.
