Swedish family-owned fishing company Gifico recently welcomed a newbuild vessel to its fleet of pelagic trawlers that focus on herring, mackerel, and a number of industrial species. Designed and built by Karstensens Skibsværft of Denmark, the DNV-classed trawler is Gifico’s third vessel to bear the name Ginneton. The 63.8- by 13.5-metre, 2,800DWT vessel boasts a number of custom features including an optimized hull design and technologies that will help minimise fuel consumption and emissions in line with the owner’s requirements. The 4,920kW main engine drives a 3,800mm controllable-pitch propeller and is fitted with a heat recovery system, as are the Mitsubishi 600kW and 150kW auxiliary engines. For added lateral maneuverability, the trawler relies on two 700kW side thrusters supplied by Brunvoll. The propulsion allows the trawler to reach speeds of up to 16 knots, while a remote-control system incorporates levers as well as touchscreen for user-friendly operation of the engines. Photos, specifications, Photos, Specifications, more, >>click to read<< 18:00
Sweden isn’t giving up on a long-running battle with the U.S. and Canada over lobsters that have turned up in Swedish waters. Officials with Sweden told The Associated Press that their country is working on a new proposal about how to deal with American lobsters that have turned up. A controversy about whether American lobsters are invasive in Swedish waters has simmered for almost a year. Sweden had wanted the European Union to consider a ban of imports of American lobsters. That call came after Sweden announced it had found 32 American lobsters in its waters. European Union officials turned away that request in October after American and Canadian scientists and politicians raised concerns about a lack of evidence that the lobsters warranted such a sweeping ban. But Swedish officials told the AP that the country remains concerned that American lobsters could interfere with European lobsters, which have economic value. 
The European Union is backing off a Swedish proposal to ban imports of American lobster into 28 member countries. Officials with the EU say the European Commission has informed Sweden it will not propose the lobster be listed as invasive. It will instead pursue measures less likely to disrupt trade. The EU decided last month to conduct an extensive review of a proposal to ban lobsters imported from the U.S. and Canada. A scientific panel had concluded Sweden raised valid points in requesting to declare the American lobster an invasive species. Fishermen in New England and Canada, congressmen and scientists opposed the ban. They said the proposed ban wasn’t based in sound science. The dispute started when Sweden announced it had found 32 American lobsters in its waters. The federal Liberal government expressed alarm at word the EU was considering a ban, vowing it would “vigorously” try to convince the European Union that American lobster did not pose a threat. Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canadian and American officials had “compelling” scientific evidence that U.S. lobster is not an invasive species. Those who make a living fishing lobster could have lost $200 million in business if such a ban was imposed. 
The United States Coast Guard announced Friday the creation of a new international forum for cooperation in the Arctic. Signed at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, the new Arctic Coast Guard Forum will include coast guards or similar agencies from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the United States. “Today’s historic Arctic Coast Guard Forum represents a critical step forward in our collective efforts to promote safety, security and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic,” said Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft. 
