Frabelle Fishing Corp., a leading global fishing group, unveiled Red Robin 88, the newest addition to its tuna purse seiner fleet.
The vessel is expected to boost the company’s fishing capacity in the Western Pacific Ocean and support the growth of the Philippine tuna canning industry.
“The deployment of Philippine-flagged Red Robin 88 in the Western Pacific is expected to increase Frabelle Fishing’s annual tuna catch by at least 8,000 metric tons, most of which will be delivered to canneries in General Santos City,” said Frabelle president Floyd Tiu Laurel.
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) 2022 Philippine Fisheries Profile report, the commercial fisheries sector produced 862,686 million metric tons of seafood valued at P74.93 billion in 2022.
Tuna haul contributed a substantial 335,210 metric tons to the total production volume.
Tuna maintained its top spot as a fishery export, with its volume rising 17 percent to reach 106,923 metric tons, valued at $403.5 million.
Global Market Insights, a market research and consulting firm, projects the global canned tuna market size to reach $13.8 billion by 2032, up from $8.9 billion in 2022.
The launch of Red Robin 88 supports national priorities such as food security, increased fishery exports, attracting investment, job creation and economic growth, the company said.
Originally built in Taiwan in 2010, the vessel underwent refurbishment before being registered under the Philippine flag by the Maritime Industry Authority.
A 30-crew vessel, Red Robin 88 will deliver its catch to canneries in the Philippines and Frabelle Fishing’s processing facility in Papua New Guinea.
The addition expands Frabelle Fishing’s tuna purse seiner fleet to 14 vessels, strategically positioned in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.
Frabelle Fishing remains a key player in the Philippine fishery sector, strengthening local industries and supporting the nation’s economic development initiatives.