Omega Protein launches “newest and largest” vessel to expand gulf fishing 

10 Apr 2018 --- Omega Protein has launched its fishing vessel operating in Louisiana, the Vermilion, to begin the 2018 Gulf of Mexico fishing season. The Vermillion is part of a US$5 million safety and sustainability investment by the company, to upgrade the ship into a modern fishing vessel.

The Vermilion marks an upgrade to the company’s fleet, with new technology and safety features that will aim to improve worker safety and increase efficiency. It is the latest investment made by the company, which specializes in nutritional products and is a leading integrated provider of specialty oils and specialty protein products, in its Gulf fishing communities.

The Vermilion, formerly known as the “Protector,” was first launched in 1977 as a support vessel for the oil and gas exploration industry. The company embarked on a $5 million safety and sustainability upgrade to transform the Protector into the modern fishing vessel, the Vermillion. 

Omega Protein detail the conversion, which installed an updated refrigeration system that can allow the Vermilion to land fresh and high-quality fish, and equipped the Vermilion with new features that will make loading and unloading fish both easier and safer for vessel crews.

“Omega Protein is committed to improving our operations for the benefit of our customers and our employees,” said Monty Deihl, Vice President of Operations at Omega Protein. “The investments made in the Vermilion streamline our operations, improve the quality of our product, and most importantly, ensure the continued safety of our employees.”