From http://www.abports.co.uk/newsarticle/694/ | Monday 17 September 2018
New fishing trade has landed at the Port of Hull to supply 300 fish and chip shops locally and across the country, ABP has announced.
Humber company UK Fisheries recently docked at the port with its first catch of around 700 tonnes of cod and haddock from the North Atlantic waters.
The new Kirkella fishing vessel will bring frozen palletised fish every four to six weeks, which will then be transported to a cold store in Grimsby, before being distributed locally and beyond.
UK Fisheries chief executive Jane Sandell said: “British distant-water fishing has a bright future, which is why we have invested in our new multi-million pound fishing vessel, the Kirkella.
“The fishing industry was once the largest employer in Hull and this is a real vote of confidence from UK Fisheries that it’s well and truly back.
“We are proud to have operated from the Port of Hull many years ago, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to come back with such confidence – and such a beautiful vessel.”
The vessel supports 65 crew and office jobs with 75 per cent of those going to British staff who hail mainly from Hull and Grimsby.
ABP Humber director Simon Bird added: “Over the years, ports reinvent themselves to cater for the ever-changing cargoes and it brings us confidence that this once depleting trade is beginning to flourish again.”
The Port of Hull has a rich fishing and maritime past. Today it handles a plethora of cargoes to keep Britain trading, including steel for car manufacturing, wood pellets for electricity and timber which is distributed to the trade industry.
The Port of Hull is part of the UK’s biggest port complex also comprising Grimsby, Immingham and Goole. These Humber ports are a vital gateways for trade as they support around 35,000 jobs and contribute £2.5 billion to the UK economy each year.
