Fishcor acquires two new vessels

The acquisition of two fishing vessels valued at N$80 million has ensured that the National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (Fishcor) could create 100 new jobs both on and offshore. This brings the staff complement at the Seaflower Whitefish Corporation to 676. Fishcor is the holding company of Seaflower Whitefish Corporation, of which the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine resources is a shareholder. Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernard Esau, who witnessed the inauguration of the two hake trawlers at Lüderitz on Thursday, said developments such as these showed the critical contributions the fishing sector continued to make in developing the economy. “This acquisition of vessels could not have come at a better time as the government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is driving the agenda in the fishing sector for value addition and the promotion of domestic consumption,” Esau said. He added he wants to see Fishcor competing in the global arena when it comes to the fishing, processing and marketing of Namibian fish. “The acquisition of the fishing vessels is a good indication of efficiency, which translates into increased catching capacity and attaining good qualities and quantities of white fish while minimising operating costs to the company,” the minister added. The two vessels, the MVF Monte San Roque and MVF Farillon, were delivered to Fishcor in April and May. The vessels were converted in Spain to accommodate 24 crew members each. Both are self-sufficient and are able to produce fresh water that is used in the factories and for human consumption while at sea. The event was also attended by the Minister of Public Enterprises Leon Jooste; Attorney-General Sacky Shanghala; Lüderitz Mayor Suzan Ndjaleka and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Moses Maurihungirire. LÜDERITZ NAMPA