Norwegian krill producer Rimfrost has announced plans for a new trawler to target krill in the Southern Ocean, in response to a rising demand for krill oil.
The company has been through some tough times, and lost its processor vessel Juvel that was auctioned off recently, in spite of bidding for it during the auction process. According to Rimfrost owner Stig Remøy, the loss of Juvel is not a critical blow, although this development means that plans for a new and more efficient vessel are being accelerated.
“Improvements in the market and new ways to utilise krill makes Rimfrost optimistic,” he said. “After several challenging years, the global krill market is now showing real signs of recovery.”
He commented that Rimfrost has increased its global sales and marketing of their patented, high quality krill oil for human consumption and is experiencing significant enthusiasm in the international market.
“There is no doubt that the withdrawal of Aker Biomarine's complaint to The International Trade Commission (ITC) had positive effects. The patent conflict has had major negative impact on the global krill market for a long time. With this case resolved, new opportunities are now emerging,” Stig Remøy said, commenting that the company saw an increase in sale of krill oil of 40% in Europe last year and the growth continues this year.
“This shows that that our novel krill oil, with high levels of omega-3 phospholipids and astaxanthin, is highly appreciated by European omega-3 consumers. In addition, krill has a major potential as fodder for the aquaculture market. Our technology potentially increases growth and improves health for farmed salmon,” he said.
