Dongwon Fisheries has acquired DW NOVA (2,342 GT) and now operates a fleet of three trawlers/ Courtesy of Dongwon Fishries
Dongwon Fisheries is accelerating efforts to strengthen its deep-sea fishing business by deploying a new trawler vessel later this year, as the company seeks to improve operational stability and reinforce long-term earnings growth.
According to industry sources, Dongwon Fisheries is currently completing refurbishment and facility upgrades for its newly acquired trawler, DW NOVA, which arrived in Busan earlier this year after departing from Denmark. The vessel is expected to begin full-scale fishing operations in the second half of the year following final maintenance work and onboard processing system upgrades.
The company plans to use DW NOVA primarily for fishing operations in waters near New Zealand, expanding its existing fleet capacity and improving the efficiency of offshore operations.
Deep-sea fishing companies are highly exposed to fluctuations in weather conditions, fish populations, and global seafood prices. As a result, maintaining a stable and competitive fleet is considered a key factor in reducing earnings volatility and securing consistent supply volumes.
Industry analysts say Dongwon Fisheries’ latest investment is aimed at strengthening its long-term operational base by lowering dependence on specific fishing zones and species while improving overall catch stability.
The timing of the new vessel’s deployment also comes as seafood prices remain relatively strong in global markets. A higher proportion of self-caught fish could help the company reduce raw material procurement costs and improve margins compared with relying on externally sourced seafood products.
DW NOVA’s contribution to earnings is expected to gradually appear from the second half of this year, with a more meaningful impact likely beginning next year once operations fully stabilize.
Dongwon Fisheries has recently shown signs of improving profitability. In the first quarter, the company reported a sharp increase in operating profit and net income despite a decline in sales, reflecting stronger cost efficiency and improved earnings quality.
Market observers believe the vessel expansion carries strategic significance beyond simple fleet growth. The global fishing industry is increasingly shifting toward high-efficiency and environmentally optimized vessels, making fleet modernization an important factor in maintaining competitiveness.
An industry official said, “In the offshore fishing business, the ability to secure stable and efficient fishing capacity directly affects profitability,” adding that “the introduction of DW NOVA could strengthen Dongwon Fisheries’ long-term earnings foundation as well as its operational resilience.”
Kim Min-jee
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