Mackerel fishing vessels collaborate in innovative partnerships to improve efficiency in Iceland

The collaboration among mackerel fishing vessels is proving to be highly effective. Most boats currently engaged in mackerel fishing have entered into strategic partnerships with one another, allowing them to share the catch and reduce the number of vessels returning to port. This approach not only lowers operational costs but also improves the quality of fish processed on land.

The innovative method has gained traction in recent years, with fishing companies joining forces for pelagic fishing. Several boats combine their catches, transferring the fish to one vessel that then sails to port with a larger load. This system allows fleets such as Eskja and Brim to maximize efficiency.

Baldur Marteinn Einarsson, manager at Eskja, stated that five vessels collaborate in their case. “All fish are collected into one vessel, which then takes a substantial amount to land for processing. The next vessel continues fishing, creating a cycle of efficiency.”

This method not only conserves fuel by minimizing the number of trips but also ensures the fish are fresher when they arrive for processing. Einarsson pointed out that while individual ships might take two to four days to return with their catches, using the collaborative model enables them to deliver a fresh product within a day.

As a result, the fishing partnership is proving highly advantageous. Einarsson remarked, “It’s far more efficient this way. It would be extremely costly if each vessel made the long trip with only 200 to 400 tons, rather than the 1,200 tons we’re able to transport now.”