QFC Acquires a Factory Freezer Trawler and 2 Northern Shrimp Licences
Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation (QFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and a leader in sustainable northern fisheries, is pleased to announce the acquisition from Mersey Seafoods Limited of Mersey Phoenix, a factory freezer trawler. This acquisition represents a significant expansion of QFC’s offshore harvesting capacity and supports QFC’s long‑term strategy of increasing Inuit participation and ownership in Canada’s fisheries.
Mersey Phoenix is a 71-metre, 15.9-metre-wide factory freezer trawler registered at the Port of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Well-recognized in the industry for its performance and reliability, the vessel will be integrated into QFC’s existing fleet for use in northern shrimp fisheries.
As part of this transaction, QFC has also acquired Mersey’s Canadian northern shrimp licence, which represents two allocations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, strengthening QFC’s ability to responsibly harvest northern shrimp and ensuring that long-term benefits and employment opportunities
flow to Inuit communities across the Qikiqtani region.
QFC is also pleased to have taken on the crew of Mersey Phoenix as part of an orderly transition, ensuring operational continuity and the retention of valuable expertise. This transfer supports QFC’s commitment to fostering safe, skilled, and sustainable offshore operations.
“This acquisition marks an important milestone for Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation,” said Harry Flaherty, President & CEO, QFC. “Mersey Phoenix, along with the northern shrimp licence, significantly strengthen our offshore harvesting program and support long-term economic development for QFC in the region.”
“We look forward to integrating Mersey Phoenix and its crew into our operations while continuing to advance QFC’s leadership in sustainable northern fisheries,” added Peter Keenainak, Vice-President, QFC.
“Mersey Seafoods is proud of our history and our role in Canada’s shrimp industry. We thank everyone who has worked with us on Mersey Phoenix and throughout the fishery. Mersey Seafoods wishes the crew continued success as they operate from Country Harbour, Nova Scotia, and as we continue our relationship with QFC through those operations,” said Michael Murphy, President, Mersey Seafoods Ltd.
QFC remains committed to responsible harvesting practices, supporting Nunavut’s fisheries economy, and creating meaningful employment, training, and ownership opportunities for Inuit,
About Qikiqtaaluk Fisheries Corporation (QFC)
QFC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and a leader in sustainable northern fisheries.
Media Contact
Katie Choquette | Chief Corporate Officer
kchoquette@qcorp.ca
