Marine / Boost for local fleet as orders placed for two new pelagic trawlers
TWO new Shetland pelagic trawlers are set to be built at a Danish shipyard in the coming years.
Orders have been placed with Karstensens shipyard for a new Serene and Antares – boats both based in Whalsay.
The new Serene is expected to be delivered in late 2027.
At 85 metres, the vessel – ordered by Serene Fishing Company – would be slightly larger than her predecessor.
The current Serene, which at 82 metres is already the longest vessel in the local pelagic fleet, was only delivered back in 2018.
Reports last year said Faroese fishing company Framherji has agreed to buy the vessel.
The new boat’s dimensions include a beam of 18.20m, while there would be a 7,320kW engine.
Skipper Bobby Polson said the engines will be around the same size as the current boat, but the new vessel will offer upgraded equipment – such as the vacuum for discharging the fish.
He added that the current Serene is due to be handed over to her new Faroese owners in March 2026.
Referring to the Danish shipyard who will be working on the new boat, Polson said: “We’re very happy with the job that they did on this boat, and I canna see why they’ll no do the same again hopefully.”
The new vessel will be the ninth boat involving the Polson family to bear the name Serene, with the lineage stemming back to the 1950s.
Meanwhile a new Antares trawler is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2028.
The shipyard said the Antares Fishing Company has ordered a 78.50 metre vessel and a 17 metre beam.
The current Antares, which is 75.4 metres, arrived in Shetland back in 2016.
The shipyard said the engine would be 6,960kW.
Antares skipper Lawrence Irvine said the boat will be quite similar in layout to the Altaire.
He added that the shipyard is “very good with the finishing” of boats – with lots of modern equipment too.
“It’s a bit more of an upgrade fae the boat that we have,” Irvine said.
“We’re really looking forward for it when she comes.”
Irvine said the current Antares will be worked with up to 2027, with the hopes of a buyer taking her on after that.
He added that it is “very exciting” for the two companies involved and a positive development for Whalsay too.
The news of the two new orders has been warmly welcomed by the Shetland Fishermen’s Association.
“The orders for new fishing vessels, to replace the Serene and Antares, represents a significant step forward for our fish catching sector,” executive officer Sheila Keith said.
“It underscores our fishermen’s dedication to sustainable practices and equipping the Shetland fleet with cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency while preserving marine ecosystems.
“These investments reaffirm our family-owned fishing fleet’s commitment to supporting the long-term vitality of our fishing community and securing a bright future for pelagic fisheries.”
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
