Hauling in energy use in the seafood industry
The New Zealand Seafood Industry has formed a partnership with EECA to focus on energy efficiency measures for the seafood sector.
A series of projects over the next 12 months will target reducing energy consumption across the industry from high-seas fishing to land-based processing. Energy is a significant component of costs in the fishing industry and can be up to 60 per cent of at-sea operating costs. The partnership will concentrate on developing a best practice energy programme which aims for a reduction of 10 per cent of energy used across the seafood industry within five years.
The partners believe that the industry has the potential for significant energy reduction. Large New Zealand fishing company Sealord was recently the winner of EECA’s Energy for Industry Industrial/Manufacturing Award.
“Our industry is committed to encompassing all aspects of sustainability – a focus on achieving increased energy efficiency is part of that commitment,” said Seafood Industry Council’s Chief Executive Owen Symmans.
“The overall outcome for the industry and New Zealand can only be beneficial in terms of both our carbon footprint and economic performance.”
The partnership is evidence of the industry’s positive approach to reducing its energy consumption, Mr Symmans says.
“New Zealand’s economic development is very reliant on the success of our businesses,” says EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.
“They can be more efficient, productive and competitive by getting the most out of their energy spend.”
A year-long pilot programme has been developed around:
- monitoring and controlling energy use
- improving the energy efficiency of fishing gear
- sharing information and raising awareness.
The seafood industry is the second sector to develop an ‘energy best practice programme’ supported by EECA.The first is Plastics New Zealand.
Contact the EECA Business Team at emprove@eeca.govt.nz or call 0800 358 676
