Aker Qrill Company, a global krill harvesting and ingredient production company which recently divested from Aker BioMarine, has entered an agreement with Tersan Shipyard to construct its fourth krill fishing vessel.

The agreement involves the purchase and significant rebuild of a project that was cancelled 18 months ago, and secures continued sustainable supplies of feed and raw materials from Antarctic krill, which is the world’s largest single-species biomass.

The new vessel will mark a step forward in the company’s ability to advance its position in the krill industry, and for Tersan Shipyard, the agreement finds a buyer for a vessel that was essentially completed in 2023.

“This partnership represents an ideal solution for both parties,” says Webjørn Barstad, CEO of Aker QRILL Company. “Adding a fourth vessel to our fleet is crucial for our success as we enter the next phase of growth and development. Equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies, this vessel will bolster our ambition to maintain our leadership position in the krill industry and ensure access to renewable and sustainable marine raw materials—vital to meet the growing global demand for sustainable marine feed ingredients with excellent nutritional qualities.”

The vessel will undergo significant rebuilding and customization to meet the specialized requirements of Aker Qrill Company. This will create several contracts for Norwegian maritime suppliers, strengthening the company’s ties to local expertise. The new vessel will incorporate significant advances made in the use of alternative fuels.

“We are glad to finally find a solution to a challenge we have been working hard to solve,” said Ahmet Paksu, vice president of Tersan Shipyard, said. “This partnership provides valuable opportunities for both parties, and we are grateful for the chance to complete and deliver this vessel. Partnering with Aker Qrill Company, the global leader in sustainable krill fishery, aligns perfectly with our vision of innovation and excellence.”