Aotearoa's CEO Carl Carrington. (Photo: Stock File)

A huge step to boost New Zealand's fishing fleet

Aotearoa Fisheries Limited announced a significant major fleet renewal programme has been launched in an attempt to improve productivity and minimise environmental impact.

The firm, which is New Zealand’s largest iwi-owned fisheries company and owner of 50 per cent of Sealord Group Limited, revealed it has settled a deal with Nelson-based boat builders Aimex to build a technologically advanced inshore fishing trawler.

“We appreciate that a new fishing vessel is a significant financial commitment and one that is out of reach for the majority of smaller fishing operators,” Aotearoa's CEO Carl Carrington pointed out.

“A lot of the fishers that contract to us are small, family owned and operated businesses. We’re committed to backing the New Zealand inshore fisheries sector and leading the way on this national issue,” the CEO added.

For his part, Aimex Managing Director Steve Sullivan said: “We’re proud to be associated in bringing this new build of an inshore trawler to Nelson, where our industry’s expertise can finally be attested too.”

In addition, Carrington explained that the programme, which can have an estimated cost between NZD 25 and NZD 30 million (USD 18.9 million- USD 22.7 million), will see the company provide support and assistance to existing contracted fishers to purchase new technologically-advanced fishing vessels.

According to the firm, the deal with Aimex is the first step in the largest fleet renewal carried out in New Zealand since the early 1970s and it is expected six new vessels will be incorporated in the next years.

These new vessels will be more fuel efficient, require less maintenance and because of their design are less susceptible to changeable weather conditions.

“This is hugely important for our customers, because it means they can continue to expect a more consistent supply of high quality seafood during adverse weather conditions,” Carrington pointed out.

Aotearoa's CEO said that the first trawler, which is due for completion in mid-2016, will be owned by RMD, a Tauranga-based third-generation family business.

After this first trawler other vessels in the seine and longline sector will follow.

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