Clearwater Seafoods welcomed the Belle Carnell into its fleet of clam vessels during an official ceremony at St. John’s Harbor front in Newfoundland, Canada, on July 24. The state-of-the-art vessel, described as the “world’s most technologically-advanced shellfish harvester,” further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver frozen-at-sea product to customers around the world.
“The Belle Carnell represents the single-largest vessel investment in Clearwater’s history, and is a testament to our dedication to the fishery, the region and sustainable seafood excellence,” said CEO Ian Smith. “It will positively impact the economy across Atlantic Canada, creating 70 new well-paying, year-round jobs in our fleet and grow our 52-week processing operations by up to 50% in the town of Grand Bank, Newfoundland.”
Named after Clearwater Co-founder and Chairman Colin MacDonald’s late mother, the Belle Carnell will harvest Arctic surf clams, cockle clams and propeller clams, primarily in the Grand Banks area. The vessel measures 73.4 meters in length and is equipped with high-tech navigational and sonar technology.
Clams harvested by the Belle Carnell and her crew will be automatically shucked and individually quick frozen within an hour of catch, using the vessel’s proprietary and advanced harvesting and processing technologies. Product will be sold almost exclusively into high-value sushi and sashimi markets, greatly expanding the company’s seafood exports to the US, Asia and Europe.
“This investment is another demonstration of Clearwater’s commitment to create the greatest economic return for the fishery while ensuring the principles of fisheries conservation science are upheld and respected, and resources are safeguarded for future generations,” remarked Smith. “Since the collapse of our ground fishery more than two decades ago, we learned the hard lesson to take less, but create more value by leaving the resource in a better state than we found it in.”
Founded in 1976, Bedford, Nova Scotia-headquartered Clearwater Seafoods is one of North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood companies, with over 1,400 employees working in processing plants aw well as aboard fishing boats and at offices in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador and elsewhere. Its product line ranges from premium-quality scallops and lobster to clams, coldwater shrimp and crab.
