Pacific Andes rebuilds huge Viktoriya mothership for surimi production in Russian Pollock Fisheries

In summer 2011 Alaska pollock market players learned that Pacific Andes Holding acquired Viktoriya mothership to rebuild the crumbling giant for surimi production in Russian Pollock Fisheries. The industry insiders have generally made positive comments on the daring project and specifically on the speed of rebuilding but risks for the venture have also surfaced, according to http://www.megafishnet.com/.

The vessel was third in a series built at Nippon Suisan Kaisha shipping yard at Kyushu in 1986.  Its first name was Miyadzima Maru.  She was bought by Dalmoreproduct at its best time and was actively used to catch and process pollock.  The ship could trawl up to 600 MT of fish per day, but to use freezing capacity fully it was necessary to get 800 MT more from catching boats.  The MV produced fillet and mince, surimi, APO HG, milt, fishmeal and high quality fish oil.  There was enough capacity to concentrate any kind of product.  There was pollock roe salting shop onboard.  All the processes were controlled by Nissui production managers.

Times changed, Dalmoreproduct gone bankrupt, Viktoriya was sold and changed a number of owners.  For the last years it idled at some quays in China.  All production equipment was removed and sold.  Actually, the vessel was not looked after.  There was information that a couple years ago Nippon Suisan intended to buy Victoria either to refurbish, or to use a source of spare parts for their two sister ships.  Japanese engineers surveyed her, and refused to discuss price.

Pacific Andes bought the ship in 2011 to refurbish her.  We've seen a number of bold investment decisions trying to give the industry a new impact.  Extension of BATM trawlers, creation of a mothership of a former tanker La Fayette, and now recreation Viktoriya from almost scrap.  Surimi production for Maruha-Nichiro is a promising project.  We hope it will develop better than previous ones.  Without insider information it is very difficult to understand source of raw material.  Pacific Andes subsidiaries in Russia (their names list is an open secret) have no specialized catchers, just catcher-processors, so they will have to use the processors for fishing, it is not very efficient way.  Maybe, the Hong Kong Holding achieved agreements on purchase of live ship with somebody - we'll soon learn.

In November it was said that repair works might take at least half a year.  However, some media mentioned recently that she must start production in January, i.e. she is supposed to sail on 2nd or third January.  It looks like fantasy even if supply will be arranged at fishing ground.  We'll live and see.

Those interested in the ship technical characteristics can have a look at the specifications provided by the Russian Maritime Register internet site http://www.rs-head.spb.ru/app/fleet.php?index=853575&type=book1&language=eng.

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