Two Aker Seafoods vessels suspended for dumping catch

Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs has decided to take two vessels belong to Aker Seafoods ASA (OSE: AKS) out of active fishing for alleged dumping of catch. White fish and shrimp Freezer trawler, Hekktind (owned by subsidiary Nordland Havfiske AS), which has a cargo capacity of 425 square metres or 1 120 gross tonnes will be grounded for five months and combined (fresh/freeze) trawler Doggi (of subsidiary Hammerfest Industrifiske AS), which boast 428 cubic metre freezer room and 273 metre cargo space, for three months. Both decisions are effective from August 1st.

Aker Seafoods says the suspension lacks merit and is considering legal action. For Hekktind, which Aker Seafoods recently agreed to sell to a Russian company from Q3, the effect on which is a bit unclear, there is a criminal against its owning company hear in October where these issues will be looked into. Both vessels have harvested most of their annual quota already. Processing plants access to raw material may be somewhat affected.