IN BRIEF - 22.5% of European commercial fishing vessels accused of using forced labor
EUROPEAN UNION
Monday, February 12, 2024
Europe is second only to Asia, whose companies, especially those from China, own nearly two-thirds of the ships involved in forced labor. An estimated 128,000 fishermen suffer horrific abuses as a result of forced labor on board fishing vessels every year, a figure that likely significantly underestimates the full scale of this crisis.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), abuses include physical violence, non-payment of wages and being required to spend more time in the workplace than allowed.
According to a recent report, 22.5% of commercial fishing vessels accused of forced labor are owned by European companies, led by Spain and the UK.
Most European countries - along with other fishing superpowers such as China, Indonesia and the US - have yet to ratify key treaties prohibiting forced labor on fishing vessels, such as ILO Labor Convention 188, while the relevant EU directive applies only to EU-flagged vessels or vessels operating in EU waters.
Even if countries comply with the ILO Convention and other key agreements, financial secrecy means that the ultimate owners of accused ships can continue to evade justice.
Crucially, ratification of these agreements will result in the proceeds of forced labor courts being consistent with the proceeds of crime under money laundering laws, making prosecution easier.
According to sector statistics provider Akvafakta, the spot price of Norwegian farmed salmon decreased by NOK 5.38 (£0.43) per kilo last week (week 20), down to NOK 72.56 (£6.08) per kilo.
This is a price that is almost NOK 1 below the price in the same week last year.
The average spot price so far this year is NOK 83.44/kg, compared to the equivalent of NOK 86.85 in 2025.
Author: Pål Mugaas Jensen / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
BioMar is set to debut on the Copenhagen stock exchange at a valuation of DKK 11.5–12.4 billion (€1.50–1.61 billion), after parent company Schouw & Co. set an IPO price range of DKK 100–108 (€13.00–14.04) per share, according to Bloomberg News.
The offering could raise up to DKK 2.72 billion (€353.6 million), with most of the proceeds going to Schouw. The flotation would mark Copenhagen’s largest IPO since 2018.ATP, Danske Bank Asset Management, DNB Asset Management, Nykredit Asset Management and Tind Asset Management have jointly committed to purchasing around half of the shares on offer. Morgan Stanley and DNB Carnegie are acting as bookrunners.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
This sale represents a unique opportunity for buyers to purchase the UK’s first fully electric zero-commissions commercial landing utility vessel.
Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, is offering for sale (by private treaty) a fully electric commercial landing utility vessel (E-LUV 2208) with an associated power storage system, on behalf of the joint administrators of Coastal Workboats Scotland Limited.
E-LUV 2208 has limited fit-out works remaining, presenting an opportunity for a buyer to complete the final build to suit their operational requirements.
The bay of Pasaia was the setting for the spectacular launch of the latest vessel from the Zamakona Shipyard. The ship, the Eidsvaag Atlas, was commissioned by a Norwegian shipping company and will be used to transport fish feed by sea, according to sources at the port of Pasaia. Representatives from the shipbuilding company, the Scandinavian shipping company, and the president of the Port Authority of Pasaia, Izaskun Goñi, participated in the launching ceremony at 6:30 p.m., which was attended by numerous onlookers and boating enthusiasts.
In addition to a significant portion of the suitable land in the five areas where floating wind farms can be located in Galicia, the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (POEM) approved by the Government in February 2023 eliminated the possibility, present in the initial draft, of classifying these areas as "priority use" zones for offshore energy over other activities. They were reclassified as simply "high-potential" areas. "It has been very important to have the information, the input, and the participation of all public and private stakeholders."
Author: Julio Pérez / Faro de Vigo | Read the full article here
Gustavo Torrens, Operations and Development Manager at Gama Mobility, analyzes how real-time information is transforming fleet management, optimizing resources, and strengthening logistical efficiency.
The incorporation of real-time information into fleet management is redefining business logistics, allowing organizations to improve operational efficiency, optimize resources, and respond more quickly to changing scenarios. In this column, Gustavo Torrens, Operations and Development Manager at Gama Mobility, discusses how data visibility has become a strategic factor for strengthening operational control, reducing uncertainties, and moving toward smarter and more competitive mobility.
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
Conxemar, the International Frozen Seafood Products Trade Fair, has launched a new visual identity for its 27th edition, which will take place in Vigo from October 6 to 8 of this year under the slogan “Where Blue Business Happens.” The rebranding of the fair is part of “the evolution of its brand architecture and consolidates its role as one of the key events within the association's strategy,” explains Conxemar, which launched a new logo last November.“This redesign reflects the evolution of the event and the need to adapt to an increasingly global and competitive environment
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
For many years, Aquaculture UK, the country’s biggest trade event for the aquaculture sector, has been synonymous with the Highland town of Aviemore. All that is about to change, however, as the city of Glasgow prepares to host the show for the first time in recent years.
Aquaculture UK, to be held this year from June 16-17 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) by the River Clyde in Glasgow, has moved from its long-term base to Scotland’s biggest city. It will mean, say organisers Diversified Communications, that the event will be able to accommodate the growing demand for exhibition space and provide easy access for exhibitors and visitors.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Fagerberg is now firmly established in Iceland. The leading supplier of supply sensors, instruments and valves for both land-based facilities, fish farms and coastal fish farms integrated Icelandic company, Vermi back in 2024. The move combined Vermi's local expertise with Fagerberg’s global reach, enhancing the company’s ability to deliver expert solutions to Iceland.
Branch manager of Fagerberg Iceland, Aðalsteinn Möller now leads with a deep understanding of the Icelandic industrial landscape. His extensive experience in geothermal plants, heating plants, underground wastewater, data centres, and other industrial processes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.
Chief executive Frode Arntsen points to best biological results the company has seen in 10 years in Norway
In Norway, the world's second largest Atlantic salmon farmer delivered an operating profit of NOK 1.536 billion (£122 million) in the first quarter. The harvest volume was 56,300 gutted weight tonnes, while operational EBIT per kilo ended at NOK 27.3.
For the group as a whole, operational EBIT was NOK 1.512bn (Q1 2025: NOK 798m), with a harvest volume of 60,300 gwt and an EBIT per kilogram of NOK 25.1.
Author: Ole Andreas Drønen / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here