Hjaltland takes delivery of fish farm workboats

Hjaltland Seafarms Ltd has just taken delivery of two new purpose-built workboats, the Crusader and the Curlew.

The boats, designed and built by Bergen Group Skarveland in Norway to Hjaltland Seafarms’ own specifications, cost £900,000. They will service sites at Setter Ness north of Vidlin.

Michael Stark of Hjaltland Seafarms said: “We welcome the arrival of our two new vessels which will help us streamline and create greater efficiencies in our day to day operations.

“The workboats have been purpose built to our exact specifications. We have been able to stipulate deck layout, crane position, lifting capacity, engine capacity and boat mobility, to ensure that they meet with our current and future requirements.

“The boats will improve working conditions for our employees and, at the same time, help us maintain and develop the exacting farming standards that we have developed over the years.

“This £900,000 investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the aquaculture industry and the wider Shetland economy.”

Grieg Seafood Hjaltland supports between 185 and 200 jobs in Shetland.