Irish seafood processors on a BIM led visit to the Faroe Islands
Irish seafood processors explored the latest technologies in whitefish processing during a visit to the Faroe Islands led by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Representatives from GreenIsle Seafoods, Albatross Seafoods, Ballycotton Seafoods, Northcape Seafood, Kish Fish and CS Fish attended the two-day field mission where they gained insights into haddock and cod filleting equipment for fresh and defrosted whitefish.
The BIM-led visit was organised as part of its Seafood Innovation Network which works collaboratively with the sector to identify ways to innovate and modernise.
The group participated in hands-on equipment trials at Sandoy Seafoods with the Primo F5 and F6 whitefish filleting machines for cod and haddock.
They also visited several processors including Nevid Fishexport, Faroe Origin, Vadhorn.fo, JFK Koisin and the Petur Larsen HQ facility to see how they are using innovative technologies to fillet and portion whitefish. While a visit to Torshavn fish auction gave the group an opportunity to understand the Faroese auction system and co-packing and distribution process and services.
John Fagan, Research and Development Technologist, BIM, said: “Global technology visits are crucial in identifying the most relevant and advanced processing technologies for the Irish seafood sector. They allow our clients to trial potential opportunities before making an investment, eliminating much of the risk associated with making this type of investment.
“Another major opportunity is the chance to network with other Irish processors and exchange insights and perspectives for potential collaboration.
“We will continue to scan the global market for commercially relevant processing technologies and create further opportunities for our clients to see these in use, to test them, and to help determine whether they’re the right fit for their business and worthy of investment.”
This latest field mission was part-funded by the Seafood Capacity Building Scheme, jointly funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which supports increasing industry knowledge and technology transfer across innovation, sustainability, fisheries conservation and competitiveness.
Richard Donnelly, Director of Development and Innovation Services, BIM, said: “The Seafood Innovation Network brings industry together through international field missions, workshops held in conjunction with Teagasc and new development opportunities for further research.
“This latest international visit to the Faroe Islands led by BIM was guided by specific needs and requirements from Irish seafood processors.
“These visits are important to help processors reach a final decision and identify the best technology and fit for their requirements. There was great energy among the Irish participants, with the potential for further worthwhile collaboration evident throughout the visit.”