Björgólfur Johannsson, interim CEO of Samherji. (Photo. Samherji)

Samherji assures fulfillment of its obligations in Namibia

NAMIBIA
Friday, February 07, 2020, 05:00 (GMT + 9)

For a while Samherji has been divesting its operations in Namibia. At this point the group has limited remaining exposure to the country. Of the three vessels that have been fishing in Namibian waters over the past year, Geysir, Heinaste and Saga, only one remains in Namibia: the factory trawler Heinaste.

"Samherji is very pleased that a case concerning the vessel Heinaste and its captain was resolved in court on Wednesday. This triggers new opportunities, and the Samherji group is dedicated for these opportunities to be realised in Namibia," says Björgólfur Johannsson interim CEO of Samherji.

Photo: courtesy The Namibian

"Samherji will therefore now work intensively and efficiently for deployment of the Heinaste in Namibian waters. We are in the process of reaching out to all relevant Namibian authorities in order to explore common ground for the most beneficial solution. The solution – at least temporarily – will involve chartering the Heinaste to local operators. The most important for the Samherji group is to find a balanced solution that benefits local workers, Namibian society and the current minority shareholders in the Heinaste."

Photo: courtesy The Namibian

Saga is undergoing maintenance and repair that was planned a while back. Geysir is currently fishing in Mauritania as none of Samherji’s subsidiaries were issued quota for the ship.

Before Samherji’s divestment in Namibia is finalized, its relevant subsidiaries will fulfil all obligations towards crewmembers who have worked for these companies. Samherji representatives have met with the affected fishermen and their unions. Samherji will strive towards providing employment for as many as possible of those affected, first and foremost related to the Heinaste.  

"As before stated, the companies in question will honor their obligations towards all employees. All personnel will be treated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," says Björgólfur Johannsson.

►Photo: courtesy The Namibian

"Over the past year, Samherji has successfully prevailed in civil legal disputes domestically in Namibia against local contracting parties. Over the past months, some of these parties have made attempts to take advantage of the allegations against the Samherji group to their own benefit. As part of such campaign we have seen misinformation being spread concerning the nature of Samherji's engagements. Samherji does not intend to argue such civil disputes publicly but will rather protect its contractual rights through the appropriate channels. Samherji is of the firm opinion that relevant obligations in Namibia have been, or are about to be, fulfilled."

According to the interim CEO, any further divestment in Namibia will be done in close dialogue with relevant authorities.  

Samherji will announce publicly as soon as there is any new development in the group's exit from Namibia.

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