FISHING FLEET FACES MOUNTING COSTS AS FUEL CRISIS DEEPENS

Fishing fleet faces mounting costs as fuel crisis deepens

Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on the fishing fleet, with some vessels facing additional daily expenses of up to £1,200, according to a report in The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) reports that fuel prices have increased by around 30p per litre since the onset of conflict in the Middle East. For larger vessels consuming more than 4,000 litres per day, this equates to a substantial rise in operating costs.

Smaller whitefish vessels are also affected, typically using around 2,000 litres of fuel daily, adding approximately £600 to their running costs.

SFA executive officer Sheila Keith highlighted the growing uncertainty facing the sector:

“This sudden and unpredictable volatility has created real challenges for skippers trying to plan trips and manage already tight margins. Even modest increases in fuel prices are now adding thousands of pounds to weekly expenses.

“Coupled with ongoing pressures such as low quotas and reduced catching opportunities, profits from a week at sea are, in many cases, marginal at best. Many fishermen are experiencing significant and unexpected financial strain, with little capacity to absorb further cost increases.

“While the industry recognises the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy, the reality is that the fishing fleet remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with no viable alternatives currently available.”

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