Aker Qrill to revive near-complete, cancelled krill harvester with extensive modifications

The Aker Qrill Company, recently divested from Aker Biomarine, has announced an agreement to build its fourth krill fishing vessel, which involves the purchase and significant rebuild of a near-complete project that was cancelled 18 months ago.

Norwegian krill operator Rimfrost ordered the new vessel, which was built in Turkey and slated for completion at Westcon in Norway. However, contractual disputes ended that partnership, and with the contract canceled in 2023, the trawler remained at the builder's yard since then.

"For [the] Aker Qrill Company, the new vessel is a vital step forward in its mission to provide sustainable, premium nutrition and to further strengthen its position in the krill industry," said the company.

"For [the] shipyard, the agreement finds a buyer for a vessel that was essentially completed in 2023."

“Adding a fourth vessel to our fleet is crucial for our success as we enter the next phase of growth and development," commented Webjørn Barstad, CEO of Aker Qrill.

"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 customisation to meet the specialised requirements of Aker Qrill.

It is expected to operate under a Norwegian fisheries license in the CCAMLR krill fishery starting in the third quarter of 2026.