Louisiana fishmeal producer Omega Protein has added to its fleet with a former oil industry support vessel converted to a operate as part of the company’s fleet of fishing vessels that target menhaden.
The company put US$5 million in converting the 1977-built oil industry vessel Protector, including installing a high-capacity chiller system to allow it to land the highest quality raw material, and new features to make loading and discharging fish easier and safer.
Renamed Vermilion, the addition to the fleet has been completed in time for the 2018 Gulf of Mexico season and was christened at Omega Protein’s Abbeville facility.
‘The Abbeville processing facility and Omega Protein have been a foundation of the commercial fishing industry in Vermilion Parish for over 50 years,’ said Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. ‘The addition of the F/V Vermilion to its fleet is a strong sign of Omega Protein’s commitment to doing business on the Gulf Coast.’
He was joined by guest speaker Jack Montoucet, the Secretary of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, and Diane Broussard, the vessel’s ceremonial sponsor, who is the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court.
‘Omega Protein is committed to improving our operations for the benefit of our customers and our employees,’ said Monty Deihl, Vice President of Operations at Omega Protein. ‘The investments made in the Vermilion streamline our operations, improve the quality of our product, and most importantly, ensure the continued safety of our employees.’
