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03-Jun-2025

UK Fisheries and Lockers JV orders two new trawlers

A joint venture between Alda Seafood subsidiary UK Fisheries Ltd. and Lockers Trawlers Ltd. has signed an agreement with English shipbuilder Parkol Marine Engineering, based in Whitby, to build two new 24-metre trawlers.
UK Fisheries Lockers JV Vessel Signing CROP VERSION 4

The state-of-the-art trawlers, which can be operated either singly or as pair trawlers, are due to be launched in 2027, and will principally operate from Peterhead, Scotland. The two vessels will each have a gross tonnage of 400t and a fish hold of approximately 200m3.

When the agreement for the newbuilds was finalised, a signing ceremony took place at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, where the accompanying photographs were taken.

“This is a great day for fishing in the UK. Our partnership with UK Fisheries means that together we can invest in Yorkshire shipbuilding and ensure British fishers have the very best and most sustainable equipment for catching whitefish in the North Sea,” said Arnold Locker, Managing Director of Lockers Trawlers, during the ceremony.

Represents commitment to sustainable fishing in the UK

Rebecca Bennett, General Manager of UK Fisheries Ltd, said:

“This investment represents our commitment to the future of sustainable fishing in the UK. By partnering with Lockers Trawlers and Parkol, we’re not only enhancing the efficiency of our fleet, we’re also equipping these vessels with the latest technology, helping us reduce our environmental footprint and ensure responsible fishing practices. This project will directly support skilled jobs in the UK, from shipbuilding to fishing communities, reinforcing the importance of investing in local industries. We’re extremely proud to be part of this project and look forward to seeing these vessels in operation. This investment demonstrates our ongoing dedication to both innovation and sustainability.”

UK Fisheries Lockers JV Vessel Signing 2
During the signing ceremony at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona. 

A new class of vessel built wholly in the UK

Sally Atkinson, Commercial Director of Parkol Marine Engineering, said:

“We are delighted to receive the orders for two new fishing vessels for Lockers Trawlers and UK Fisheries. This marks a major milestone in our 40-year relationship with Lockers and presents a new opportunity to work with UK Fisheries. This Project not only reflects the trust and collaboration Lockers & UK Fisheries have invested, it also introduces a new class of vessel built wholly in the UK. The contracts will support skilled UK jobs and supply chain plus directly align with the National Shipbuilding Office’s strategy to provide economic benefit by retaining shipbuilding enterprise for UK customers within the UK.”

UK Fisheries Lockers JV A Computer Generated Image
A computer-generated image of one of the trawlers to be built by English shipbuilder Parkol.