28.01.2022

Polar Fishing Gear is receiving funding from Nefco’s Green Stimulus Program to boost global operations of its innovative recycled and reusable plastic fishing gear.

Polar Fishing Gear (Polar) is an Icelandic family business with extensive experience in the design of fishing gear. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, the company designs products that can help minimize the environmental impacts of fishing activities and improve the efficiency of fishing doors.

Polar has developed an innovative approach to opening fishing nets that will have positive environmental impacts on the marine ecosystem. Pluto is a remote control fishing door made from recycled plastics. Designed for large fleets of small fishing boats, Pluto uses rotationally molded plastic materials, which improves the vessels hydrodynamics and helps reduce fuel consumption.

“The idea for the recycled plastic Pluto fishing doors was to find solutions to plastic waste, especially in the oceans. Our first goal is to improve fishing for the world’s small boat fleets, replacing older designs plank and plain steel doors with highly efficient Pluto peach doors,” says Atli Mar JosefatssonCEO, Polar Fishing Gear.

Protection of the seabed, circularity and reduction of fuel consumption in the fishing industry

Traditional wooden trawl doors rely on contact with the seabed to generate some of the forces needed to spread fishing nets, damaging the seabed environment. Pluto doors require no contact with the seabed to open fishing nets, minimizing the impact on marine ecosystems and reducing fuel consumption by up to 25% compared to traditional fishing doors.

“Our Pluto plastic doors can operate successfully without direct contact with the seabed. This will support sustainable fishing and improve the economic performance of small fishing vessels in less developed countries,” says Jósafatsson.

Pluto doors tackle marine pollution and waste from start to finish. The product is made from recycled plastic which can be recycled again at the end of its life, contributing to a circular economy.

“Polar is a forerunner in the development of sustainable fishing gear. The unique Pluto door design has proven to be highly efficient, consuming less fuel and protecting fragile seabed ecosystems by tackling plastic litter issues. “, declares Meeri KaurissaariInvestment Officer, Nefco.

Nordic funding for the internationalization of innovative fishing solutions

A few years ago, Polar’s innovative fishing gear was introduced to the Russian and Chinese markets with support from the Nordic Project Fund (Nopef). These Nopef grants have helped Polar Trawl Doors conduct market research and feasibility studies. As a result, Polar opened local offices in St. Petersburg and expanded into China.

To further strengthen its Pluto trawl doors globally, Polar is receiving funding from Nefco’s Green Stimulus Program. “It’s a great honor to have Nefco’s endorsement and support for the project, which helps us implement environmental protections and restore the sustainability of fishing,” adds Jósafatsson.. The funding will help Polar continue to test and improve the Pluto doors, as well as increase its human resources to focus on further expansion and accelerate the transition to a sustainable fishing industry.

“Polar has a clear advantage in developing sustainable fishing gear through its development of existing products and extensive industry experience. Nefco is excited to be part of Polar’s growth story and we look forward to following product development in the future,” says Kaurissaari.

Nefco’s Green Recovery Program offers financing to Nordic small and medium-sized enterprises to support international growth outside the Nordic countries and accelerate the scaling up of Nordic green solutions. Learn more about Nefco’s Green Recovery financing.

For more information, please contact:

Meeri Kaurissaari, Head of Investments, Nefco
[email protected], +358 (0)10 6180 682

About Polar Fishing Gear

Polar Fishing Gear (Polar Toghlerar Ehf) was established in 2003 in Reykjavík, Iceland to design, develop and produce commercial fishing gear, including highly efficient fishing doors. The sale and distribution of fishing gear is done through a global network developed through years of experience in the sector. Polar’s mission is to support sustainable fishing by improving fishing gear technology. Polar’s latest products, the PLUTO and POSEIDON fishing doors, are designed and manufactured to meet the highest standards in environmentally friendly fishing.

Small fishing boat using Polar’s fishing gear, pluto.
Photo credits: Polar Fishing Gear