The vessels in question are Barði and Gullver, operated by Síldarvinnslan itself, and Vestmannaey and Bergey which are operated by subsidiary company Bergur-Huginn.

Barði was built in 1989 and Gullver is a 1983 veteran, while Vestmannaey and Bergey were built for Bergur-Huginn in 2007.

Preparation work on replacing the company's demersal tonnage is already in progress, according to managing director Gunnthór B Ingvason.

Bjartur was sold to Iran last year as part of this programme and we are negotiating the sale of Barði to Russia. Blængur, ex-Freri, has been extensively rebuilt as a versatile factory trawler and was taken into service earlier this year,” he said.

“The sale of Barði will leave a gap until a new vessel arrives and we will offer crews opportunities on other vessels or ashore. The renewal of vessels is a big decision and our future course is clear; the company intends to be in the front rank in terms of economic operation, catch handling and the crews' working environment. It's an ambitious programme that includes some big steps into the future,” Gunnthór B Ingvason added.