New QFC trawler equipped with Carsoe dual-species factory

When the Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation (QFC) in October announced the commissioning of their largest Factory Fishing trawler to date, the Saputi II, it was in a strong partnership with Carsoe that was chosen to provide an advanced processing facility on board.

Jerry Ward, Director of Fisheries with Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, owner of QFC, states:

”Carsoe was a natural choice for us as a trusted partner. We have benefited greatly from Carsoe’s service over the past several years as a partner on the first Saputi vessel. Carsoe has delivered a superior processing solution, efficient implementation, experienced technicians - followed up with a great sparepart and maintenance service, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted operations.”

Automated dual-species processing plant

The Saputi II, spans 79 meters in length and 17 meters in width. The vessel boasts an efficient, low-emission engine and aims to utilize its catch to the fullest. With a handling capacity of 750 tons of shrimp and 1,100 tons of halibut, Saputi II will be equipped with a Carsoe dual-species processing factory.

Carsoe, a world leader in seafood processing, is thrilled to deliver the processing plant in this venture. "The Saputi II is a state-of-the-art Arctic vessel, and we are very happy to be chosen as processing partner on the build. Our factories are designed for efficiency, using automated processes to maximize yields and ensure easy handling for the crew," says Hugo Dissing, CEO at Carsoe. "So, it is a great fit with what we do best."

Unparalleled Product Quality and a Safe Working Environment Onboard

The Carsoe processing factory aboard Saputi II guarantees unparalleled product quality through cutting-edge onboard processing and freezing techniques, preserving the freshness of the product. The factory is equipped with automated bycatch separators, a shrimp grader, and a batch cooking line. Additionally, it features a complete halibut production line, granting the vessel the flexibility to seamlessly switch between different production types.

The processed product is rapidly frozen using one of the three IQF Tunnel Freezers or the two Automatic Horizontal Freezers. The freezing process is entirely automated, ensuring efficient and continuous processing. With an automatic, continuous freezing process, manual handling is eliminated, resulting in increased production rates. The infeed and outfeed of the freezer are automated, maximizing capacity and simplifying maintenance procedures.

Effective and automated sorting and palletizing

At the end of the freezing line, the factory's packing section features a robotic hotel for sorting products. The frozen products are sent for automatic palletizing with an integrated stretch wrapper and then automatically transported to the cargo hold.

This type of palletizing system is ideal for factory trawlers because the stretch film is added during palletizing, allowing for quick and efficient storage preparation. The layered wrapping provides additional stability and protection for the catch, ensuring safe storage during bad weather and heavy seas.

The automated workflow in the processing plant eliminates several manual processes and heavy lifting and creates an improved working environment for the crew.

About QFC and the new vessel Saputi II

Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation (QFC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of QC, an Inuit birthright development corporation created by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. With a history spanning 40 years in the Qikiqtani Region, QFC's mission is to provide employment and financial opportunities for Inuit in the region. QFC owns and operates the multi-species factory freezer vessels Saputi and soon Saputi II, both of which operate in the Qikiqtani Region, harvesting offshore shrimp and turbot/halibut.

Saputi II will be constructed in the Freire Shipyard (Construcciones Navales P. Freire), a family-owned company established in 1895 by Paulino Freire in Vigo, Spain.