Aker QRILL Company announced the acquisition of a specialized cargo vessel to be renamed Antarctic Enabler.
The vessel, previously known as Kallio and purchased from Finnish shipowner ESL Shipping, will be converted into a floating warehouse and drone platform to support the company’s expanding krill harvesting operations.
The 159-meter ice-classed vessel can carry nearly 10,000 tons of krill meal and has the capacity to refuel harvesting ships during operations.
Total investment in the project is estimated at approximately USD 26.5 million.
According to Aker QRILL Company CEO Webjørn Barstad, the acquisition is intended to secure a stable supply of sustainable feed and raw materials from Antarctic krill, recognized as the world’s largest single-species biomass.
“This vessel will allow our harvesting fleet to maintain continuous operations while ensuring we can meet the increasing global demand for sustainable marine ingredients,” Barstad said.
The Antarctic Enabler will be rebuilt and equipped with technology that allows it to serve as a platform for unmanned reconnaissance drones to help locate krill concentrations and improve harvesting efficiency.
The investment follows Aker QRILL Company’s recent announcement of a fourth harvesting vessel in partnership with Tersan Shipyard.
Aker QRILL Company is a Norwegian-registered enterprise specializing in the harvesting and processing of Antarctic krill. It develops krill-based ingredients for aquaculture, animal feed, and human nutrition. The company operates within the Aker group of industrial and marine companies and positions itself as part of Norway’s marine biotechnology sector.
ESL Shipping Ltd. is a Finnish shipping company headquartered in Helsinki. It operates a fleet of bulk carriers and specializes in transporting dry bulk cargo, including raw materials for the energy, steel, and chemical industries. The company is part of the Aspo Group.
Tersan Shipyard Inc. is a Turkish shipbuilding company based in Yalova, specializing in constructing offshore vessels, fishing vessels, and specialized ships for international clients. It operates one of Turkey’s largest private shipyards, serving European and global markets.
