Aker QRILL Company, the global leader in krill harvesting and production of krill-based ingredients, announces the acquisition of a specialized cargo vessel to be renamed "Antarctic Enabler."
The vessel, previously named Kallio and acquired from the Finnish shipping company ESL Shipping, represents a significant investment in operational infrastructure that will enhance the efficiency of Aker QRILL Company's harvesting operations.
Building a floating warehouse and drone platform
The Antarctic Enabler will serve as a dedicated support vessel for the company's expanding fleet of krill harvesters, providing critical logistical capabilities in the Antarctic fishing grounds.
Through rebuilding and installations, the vessel will be transformed into a modern floating warehouse, equipped with technology capabilities that enable it to serve as a platform for advanced operational technologies, including unmanned reconnaissance drones that will assist in mapping krill concentrations and optimizing harvesting efficiency.
"The acquisition of Antarctic Enabler represents our commitment to building the infrastructure necessary to support our growing operations," says Webjørn Barstad, CEO of Aker QRILL Company. "This vessel will allow our harvesting fleet to maintain continuous operations in the Antarctic fishing grounds while ensuring we can meet the increasing global demand for sustainable marine ingredients with the highest operational efficiency."
The 159-meter ice-classed vessel offers cargo capacity for nearly 10,000 tons of krill meal and substantial bunker capacity to refuel harvesting vessels during operations, eliminating operational downtime and maximizing efficiency. Fully rebuilt and operational as a combined floating warehouse and drone platform, total investments will reach approx. 26,5 million USD. This acquisition follows the company's recent announcement of a fourth harvesting vessel in partnership with Tersan Shipyard (read the announcement here)
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tormod Sandstø
Director Communication
Aker QRILL Company
+4790943215
About Aker QRILL Company
Aker QRILL Company is the world's leading krill company, delivering premium ingredients for aquaculture and animal nutrition, and raw materials for human health applications. Our operations and development are backed by rigorous science and research into the benefits of krill. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, rooted in world-class standards.