SeafoodSource is closely following seafood processing and equipment innovation by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.
-Investment fund American Industrial Partners Capital Fund announced it has become the majority and controlling stakeholder in AquaShip and Intership. The two companies will be merged into one, and will become the largest diversified aquaculture service vessel operators.
"We are pleased to bring in AIP as a strategic partner and majority owner of the new combined company. We believe we have a unique platform, combining AquaShip's recognized competencies across multiple vessel types and local hands-on experience in several regions with Intership's renowned expertise in live fish carriers,” AquaShip CEO Sverre Taknes said in a release. “Together, we aim to unlock new, impactful partnerships across all regions and further enhance our already excellent service to customers. By leveraging AIP's capabilities, combined with both AquaShip's and Intership's innovative approach and diversified platform, we are confident that the combined company is well positioned for the growth journey ahead.”
The company will have 39 vessels, and approximately 700 employees in Chile, the U.K., Canada, Norway, and Ireland.
"We look forward to embarking on a new journey with AIP and AquaShip and continuing our mission of delivering and even further enhancing the highest quality service to our clients. We're convinced that our longstanding customer relationships, global footprint, pioneering technology, and dedication to serving our customers will provide a valuable platform for the path ahead. Joining forces with AIP and AquaShip marks an exciting chapter for everyone at Intership,” Intership CEO and Executive Chairman Ole Peter Brandal said.
- Seoul, South Korea-based Samyang Group has acquired ECV Ocean Plastic certification for several of its fishing nets, and has established a life-cycle assessment (LCA) system for carbon emission reduction.
The group said nine types of of its recycled plastic nylon material “TRIECO 4D” fishing netshave achieved global certification from UL Solutions. The nine certified TRIECO 4D products use discarded fishing nets from coastal lines.
"With this ECV Ocean Plastic certification, the TRIECO 4D's use of marine waste has been recognized for its reliability and material excellence," Samyang Corporation CEO Ho-sung Kang said in a release. "As the uses for recycled fishing net materials expand, we plan to also commercialize these materials in household goods, furniture, and fashion accessories."
As a result of its LCA system, Samyang Group now can monitor carbon emissions for all of its products in production. Its able to predict reductions in emissions when applying eco-friendly materials like recycled materials, due to its simulation capabilities.
- Newport Beach, California U.S.A.-based restaurant chain California Fish Grill announced it has begun to lean on artificial intelligence, moving to replace traditional phone ordering.
The chain has tapped into the Kea voice-ordering system to boost revenue, and allow its employees to devote time to customer experience inside the restaurant, according to Food on Demand.
“We believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment for our employees at California Fish Grill,” California Fish Grill Vice President of Information Technology Patrick Waiyawaytar said. “We are working to reduce stress for our valued front-of-house team, especially when dealing with phone orders. Kea’s AI technology allows us to streamline processes, easing the workload for our cashier team and ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience.”
Kea’s voice-ordering system will be used in all 55 of the chain’s restaurants, integrating live agents to monitor the orders. The new implementation has boosted average ticket size due to the Kea upselling capability feature.
“Our mission is to empower local restaurants to thrive,” Kea Foudner and CEO Adam Ahmad said. “With kea, California Fish Grill can continue to focus on what they do best, serving high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood, and we can focus on handling their to-go orders for them. It’s a win-win.”
Photo courtesy of American Industry Partners Capital Fund
