Millions invested in Seagull Fish Processors

WALVIS BAY – A new state-of-the-art wet fish factory and longline plant which will process and package marine products onshore for export was officially opened at Walvis Bay on Friday.

Seagull Fish Processors Limited is a joint venture between Merlus Fishing Limited and nine other fishing companies, seven of them new, which will process, package and distribute high quality seafood products in southern Africa and elsewhere. During the official opening, minister of fisheries and marine resources Bernhardt Esau said local fishing companies are growing into model seafood processors with ambitious and innovative ideas.

”I am glad that Merlus Fishing, as a bigger brother in this venture, has joined up with seven smaller newcomers to create this joint venture company,” he said.

Esau said the ownership structure of the new factory reflects what the Namibian government had envisaged as it consists of an agreement between existing operators and new entrants that were granted fishing rights in 2012.

“These types of partnerships in the fishing industry are particularly beneficial as it imparts much needed skills to Namibians, while strengthening capital acquisition by previously disadvantaged communities and benefiting investors in ensuring access to our natural resources,” he said.

Director of Seagull Fish Processors, Julio Lloves, emphasised the importance of outside partnerships, saying it helps in the distribution of the product to a larger market.

The value of the factory is more than N$45 million. An additional N$23 million has been invested in a modern ice plant.

The factory is expected to create at least 200 permanent employment opportunities and will process an average 30 tonnes of raw material into high quality finished consumer products. - Nampa