Peruvian fishmeal giant TASA has upgraded its catching capacity with the acquisition of a pair of European fishing vessels that will now fish primarily for anchovy for indirect human consumption.
The two vessels will also fish for horse mackerel and mackerel for direct human consumption, key species for food security and economic development in Peru.
TASA has acquired the 45-metre Brusøyskjær, built in 2004 by Karstensen as Girl Stephanie for its original Irish owners to operate primarily as a pair trawler. Sold to Norway in 2018, it was subsequently outfitted for single pelagic trawl and purse seine.
The second acquisition is the 56.17-metre Scottish pelagic vessel Sunbeam, which was built in 1999. This pelagic vessel has spent its entire career with Sunbeam Fishing Ltd in Fraserburgh – which is currently looking forward to the delivery of a new 73-metre vessel from Myklebust Verft later this year.
TASA has maintained the names of the two new additions to its fleet, which were given a celebratory welcome at Callao in Peru, with a formal ceremony attended by Minister of Production Sergio González, TASA general manager Gonzalo de Romaña, chair of the TASA board Mario Brescia Moreyra, President of the National Fisheries Society Jessica Luna Cárdenas and other senior figures.
‘The acquisition of these vessels reinforces the commitment to continue building a more productive industrial fishing sector that is more environmentally responsible and generates greater opportunities for Peruvians,, minister Sergio González stated during the reception for the two additions to the Peruvian fleet, adding that these vessels represent a step toward the modernisation, sustainability, and competitiveness of the Peruvian fishing industry, as they have on board the latest technology and have operational capabilities that will optimise utilisation of the country’s resources.
The minister said that this initiative strengthens the relationship between the Ministry of Production and the private sector, promoting cooperation to foster a model of sustainable use of fishery resources, with a direct impact on the country’s economy.
Peru’s fishing sector currently provides more than 400,000 jobs and constitutes a strategic pillar of the national economy. According to projections, this sector is expected to reach a growth rate of 5.4% by the end of 2025.
