The Fu Yuan Yu 9199 has been built in China.
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China's largest specialized Antarctic krill fishing and processing vessel has begun its voyage after completing all equipment tests and supply replenishment at the Fuzhou (Lianjiang) National Pelagic Fishery Base, according to The Information Office of Fujian Provincial People's Government (gofujian.com).
The Fu Yuan Yu 9199, which has been built in China, measures 138.8 meters in length, 24 meters in width, and 12 meters in depth, with a total tonnage of 16,000 metric tons. The project has received 601 million yuan ($83.1 million) in investment, the Asian news outlet detailed.
It was also explained that the vessel is equipped with a continuous pump suction fishing system, allowing for rapid operations with minimal impact on the krill population. Additionally, it features the only fully automatic production line, enabling efficient transportation by streamlining the peeling, processing, and packaging.
"Fujian is on a trajectory to become a world-class province in deep-sea fishing, with the Fu Yuan Yu 9199's inaugural journey marking the start of enhanced technological support and accelerated development of polar marine resources in the region," the publication reads.
Chinese fishmeal and fish oil production last year remained subdued due to a lower wild fish catch. Production levels in 2024 were projected to be below those of 2023, according to IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organisation's report.
In addition, the aquaculture sector has entered its low season, and total aquafeed production in 2024 is also expected to be lower than in 2023. However, IFFO noted that fishmeal consumption is likely to rebound with the start of the next main aquaculture season in April 2025.