Pescanova's fish farm in Mira. (Photo: Pescanova)

Pescanova sues builder for aquaculture facility faults

PORTUGAL
Monday, July 01, 2013, 00:40 (GMT + 9)

The Galician multinational firm Pescanova has filed a lawsuit against the firm Sacyr in court because it argues that certain faults in the construction of the Portuguese aquaculture plant caused several accidents and losses exceeding 50 per cent of its fishing production.

According to sources close to the firm, a failure of the dewatering system caused the death of the majority of the turbot juvenile specimens and huge economic losses.

In addition, from the builder Sacyr it has been stated to EFE agency that out of the remaining work there are "still some loose ends."

Pescanova’s aquaculture factory in Portugal had insurance in case of accidents so that a portion of the losses from that fish production would be covered.

This plant, located in the town of Mira, received a total of EUR 45 million in grants from the Government of Portugal: EUR 40 million from the Ministry of Economy and Agriculture and EUR 5 million for tax credit.

This factory exports 99 per cent of its production to the European Union (EU) and has not fulfilled its goal of reaching 7,000 tonnes of the expected production yet.

According to the available data, in 2010 a total of 2,880 tonnes was produced; in 2011 production amounted to 3,931 tonnes; and in 2012, it was 4,397 tonnes of turbot.

Last April, Pescanova denied what was published by the newspaper El Pais, which ensured that the Portuguese farm had experienced two millions worth accidents.

"In no case were they hidden as a newspaper of information published," the company added.

Now, Pescanova admits that the accidents cost about EUR 70 million and it demands for damages those deemed responsible for the hydraulic works faults.

In addition, it ensures that the incidents "are reflected in the accounts and in the management reports of the years 2011 and 2012, of Acuinova Portugal and were quantified by their auditors."

Related article:

- Pescanova cuts jobs at turbot plant to adjust production

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print