The Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation (QFC), recently announced the acquisition of Mersey Seafoods Limited’s Northern shrimp licence and factory freezer trawler, the Mersey Phoenix.
This acquisition represents a significant expansion of QFC’s offshore harvesting capacity and supports the company’s long-term strategy of increasing Inuit participation and ownership in Canada’s fisheries.
The Mersey Phoenix is a 71-metre, 15.9-metre-wide factory freezer trawler registered at the Port of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Well-recognized in the industry for its performance and reliability, the vessel will be integrated into QFC’s existing fleet for use in Northern shrimp fisheries.
As part of this transaction, QFC also acquired Mersey’s Canadian Northern shrimp licence, which represents two allocations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, strengthening QFC’s abillty to responsibly harvest Northern shrimp and ensuring that long-term benefits and employment opportunities flow to Inuit communities across the Qikiqtani region.
QFC said it is also pleased to have taken on the crew of the Mersey Phoenix as part of an orderly transition, ensuring operational continuity and the retention of valuable expertise. This transfer supports QFC’s commitment to fostering safe, skilled and sustainable offshore operations.
“This acquisition marks an important milestone for Qikiqtaaiuk Fisheries Corporation,” said Harry Flaherty, QFC President and CEO.
“Mersey Phoenix, along with the Northern shrimp licence, significantly strengthens our offshore harvesting program and supports long-term economic development for QFC in the region.”
“We look forward to integrating Mersey Phoenix and its crew into our operations, while continuing to advance QFC’s leadership in sustainable northern fisheries,” added Peter Keenalnak, Vice-President, QFC.
“Mersey Seafoods is proud of our history and our role in Canada’s shrimp industry. We thank everyone who has worked with us on Mersey Phoenix and throughout the fishery. Mersey Seafoods wishes the crew continued success as they operate from Country Harbour, Nova Scotia, and as we continue our relationship with QFC through those operations,” said Michael Murphy, President, Mersey Seafoods Ltd.
