28-Jan-2025

Experienced captain returns to DFFU to command Berlin NC 107

Stefán Vidar Thórisson, an experienced yet relatively young captain, has rejoined our German subsidiary, Deutsche Fischfang-Union (DFFU), to take the helm at Berlin NC 107. He returns after three years as captain of a freezer trawler in his native Iceland.

Born in 1980, Thórisson has been working at sea since 1996, starting as a deckhand with Hradfrystihús Eskifjardar (now Eskja) in East Iceland at sixteen. He joined Samherji in 1998 as a deckhand on the trawler Vídir EA. While studying at the Reykjavík School of Navigation, he took fishing trips during summer breaks. After graduating in 2001, Thórisson began steering vessels and has been a full-time captain since 2006. He holds certifications to captain all vessel types except coast guard and warships.

Thórisson joined DFFU from Samherji in 2004 and enjoyed eighteen successful years in Cuxhaven steering freezer trawlers. The last one was Cuxhaven NC, which mainly catches Greenland halibut in East Greenland. Throughout this period, he commuted between Cuxhaven and his hometown of Reydarfjördur in East Iceland.

In 2022, he returned to Iceland to captain the freezer trawler Snaefell EA for Samherji. Now, he is back at DFFU, succeeding Sigurdur Óli Kristjánsson as one of two rotating captains of Berlin NC 107, a newbuild delivered in 2024.

Trips to East Greenland stand out

“On Berlin NC 107, we’ll primarily fish for cod and shrimp in the Barents Sea, with two trips to East Greenland this autumn targeting Greenland halibut,” says Thórisson. “I’m eager to test the onboard equipment and experience how the ship performs in various conditions. The factory is highly advanced, and fishing and processing require close collaboration between the captain and the processing manager to maximise the quality of the raw material.”

These trips will last 30-45 days, depending on the fishing grounds.

“I took command of the Cuxhaven NC as a newbuild in 2017, so captaining the Berlin NC 107 feels familiar, though it’s always exciting to work on a new vessel. The main difference is operating three trawls. I also know most of the crew already, as I joined a trip on the previous Berlin NC,” he adds.

As captain of Cuxhaven NC, Thórisson steered the vessel on many memorable trips to East Greenland. Reflecting on his career so far, he says these trips stand out. “The views near East Greenland are magnificent. Navigating through beautiful landscapes and surrounded by sea ice is not something you easily forget.”

Sea ice near East Greenland, captured onboard the Cuxhaven NC.

More accurate weather forecasts help

During trips to East Greenland, Thórisson has occasionally faced extreme weather conditions, a challenge that remains an inevitable aspect of operating in these waters. However, advancements in weather forecasting technology have made it easier for captains to plan routes and avoid the most severe conditions.

“With modern weather forecasts, you have a better chance of avoiding such situations. Captains are constantly monitoring forecasts. You look at all the forecasts. We look at Windy.com, and Vedur.is, the website of the Icelandic Met Office, and many others. It’s the captain’s responsibility to ensure everyone gets home safely. When you’re on an advanced trawler with excellent equipment, you always have options to avoid the worst conditions. If the wind looks unfavourable, you can turn away from it.”

Thórisson adds that in sudden extreme weather, pulling the fishing gear and waiting is often the only solution. “The goal is to go against the weather as little as possible and wait it out. That said, I’ve been in situations where waiting wasn’t an option. In 2011, we encountered 15-metre-high waves and had to sail to Prins Christian’s Sund, East Greenland, for safety,” he recalls.

New technology has made longer trips easier

A married family man, Thórisson says long periods away from loved ones are the most challenging aspect of working at sea, but he knows nothing else, having worked in the sector since the age of sixteen. “Advancements in technology have changed a lot, such as Facetime and other video calls. It’s a huge change to be able to talk to the kids via a video call. This new technology has made these longer trips much easier because you are in regular communication with your family. However, the hardest part is when something happens on land, and you’re unable to help because you are a thousand nautical miles away. I’ve seen this happen to crewmembers, and in such cases, maintaining a sense of calm and focus is crucial.”

Stefán Vidar Thórisson in his hometown, Reydarfjördur.

An experienced crew is vital

Thórisson says having an experienced crew is fundamental for smooth operations at sea. “You need a crew you can rely on, people who know their jobs, work hard, and support each other no matter what. For me, building trust and rapport with the team is key, but it’s a balancing act. You want to have a good relationship with everyone, but you also need to maintain the authority that comes with being captain. Additionally, close communication with the vessel operations team at the fishing company is just as important. A good captain stays in constant contact with them, as successful fishing operations ultimately depend on teamwork across all levels.”