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Frabelle to extend pump boat project

ONE of PNG’s premier fishing companies, Frabelle Frescommer Corporation (FFC), is considering carrying out similar pump boat projects in the Solomon Islands.
The announcement follows a recent visit to the Frabelle factory in Lae by Solomon Islands delegates, who were in PNG to hold talks with stakeholders in PNG’s fishing industry.
The project in Morobe has seen the Government through the National Fisheries Authority, private sector partner FFC and rural fishing groups participate in a move that is set to boost the industry and provide income for fishermen.
It was financed through a credit facility from the Rural Development Bank.
Managing director of FFC Francisco Santos made this known when the Solomon Islands delegation led by SI minister for finance Gordon Darcy and accompanied by SI ambassador to PNG Bernard Bata’anisia visited the Frabelle factory in Lae early this month.
But he said “this is not likely to happen immediately as Lae is still a priority that needs more work to reach full capacity”.
Mr Santos further revealed that FFC would be looking at having more pump boats serving the factory.
Currently, there are 16 boats that are bringing in about 16 metric tones per month.
“Ideally, we would like to increase this to 30-50 pump boats with each bringing in a tonne each month,” Mr Santos said.
He said this was more viable and would create more employment.