Eighty-five workers are losing their jobs after the slaughter vessel Norwegian Gannet stopped operations. The boat and its parent company Hav Line are now up for sale.
The decision follows persistent shortages in slaughter volumes. The company could not secure enough business to maintain sustainable economics.
Hav Line CEO Eirik Rosenberg confirmed employees received notification about the closure last week. He said the message was met with great disappointment among staff.
Half of the affected workers are Norwegian citizens. The other half are foreign nationals working on the vessel.
The Norwegian fishing industry faces ongoing challenges with fluctuating catch volumes and operational costs. This closure reflects broader economic pressures in the maritime sector.
What does this mean for Norway's fishing industry? The loss of a major slaughter vessel could impact processing capacity along the coast. Other companies may need to absorb the surplus catch that Norwegian Gannet previously handled.
The vessel specialized in processing fish at sea. This allowed for immediate slaughter and preservation while fishing vessels continued their work.
Norwegian Gannet represented significant investment in modern fishing technology. Its closure raises questions about the economic viability of specialized slaughter vessels in current market conditions.