Sanford sells hoki vessel, 60 jobs lost

By LIAM DANN

Listed fishing company Sanford has sold a 64m hoki freezer vessel just in time for an anticipated cut in hoki quotas.

The move will mean the loss of 60 crew positions.

The sale is almost finalised and the new owners will take delivery of the vessel in the next few days.

The company would not say what the sale was worth but fisheries analysts estimate it could be worth several million dollars.

The San Venturer was purchased in 1996 and is one of six hoki boats in Sanford's fleet.

Managing director Eric Barratt said the company was taking advantage of an opportunity to reduce its hoki catching capability in advance of a likely substantial cut in the quota from October 1.

Sanford will re-commission one of its smaller freezer trawlers (the 43m vessel Rover) to help complete the catching programme to the end of September.

Barratt said he favoured a conservative approach to bring the quota down to a level that would allow the quickest recovery in the fishery.

Despite the loss of positions there had been a shortage of crews and many of those wanting to continue in the industry would be able to find positions, he said.