Keel Laying of Saputi II: A Milestone for Arctic Fishing
The keel laying ceremony marks a significant step in shipbuilding, and recently this important event took place for the Saputi II, an 80-meter Arctic fishing vessel commissioned by Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries.
Currently under construction at Freire Shipyard in Spain, this advanced freezer trawler is being built to handle the demanding conditions of Arctic waters. Allswater is proud to be managing the entire build process, from contract signing to the final delivery and acceptance of the vessel by Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries.
With Allswater overseeing this comprehensive process, we ensure that the Saputi II will meet the operational demands of Arctic fishing while supporting sustainable fishing practices in Canadian waters.
Recently, our General Manager, Carl Sullivan, and Construction Manager, Daniel Leante, participated in the keel laying ceremony. Carl remarked, “It was our pleasure to lay the commemorative coin for the keel laying ceremony on behalf of Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries. The coin is a specially minted piece dedicated to Nunavut and its people, as is this new vessel. Today we have proudly connected the two during the keel laying ceremony for the people and communities of Nunavut.”
Steering The Saputi II to Completion
At Allswater, we are not only naval architects but have a team of project managers capable of managing the entire build process. For the Saputi II. this includes overseeing the project from the moment the contract is signed to the final delivery and acceptance by Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries. Our role is to ensure that the vessel is constructed to the highest standards, meeting all contractual and operational requirements.
Our key responsibilities include:
- Managing the shipbuilding contract between Freire Shipyard and Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries.
- Overseeing procurement and design approvals, coordinating closely with both the shipyard and the vessel’s designers.
- Tracking deliverables to ensure the project stays on schedule and meets all quality benchmarks.
- Conducting inspections and acceptance of completed work, including overseeing sea trials.
Collaborative Effort with Design Partners
While Allswater is leading the entire build process for the Saputi II, from contract signing to delivery, the design phase is managed by specialized firms within the industry. We are closely collaborating with Freire Shipyard and the appointed design team to ensure that every aspect of the construction aligns with the approved specifications and timelines. This collaboration allows each partner to focus on their strengths, resulting in a vessel that meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
Looking Ahead: Saputi II’s Future in Arctic Waters
Once completed, the Saputi II will support sustainable fishing in the Arctic, providing Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries with the ability to process and freeze its catch at sea, reducing the need for frequent port visits. The vessel is equipped with the latest freezing technology and is designed for extended operations in Arctic waters, ensuring both efficiency and environmental responsibility.