A SECOND Icelandic trawler has berthed at Grimsby Docks in the space of a week, landing an extra 120 tonnes of fresh fish.

As reported, the first of four expected vessels landed last Monday – the first from Iceland in 12 years – sparking hopes that it could spell a renaissance for Grimsby's Fish Market.

Sunday's arrival of the 53m trawler Agust GK 95, from Grindavik, on the south-west coast of Iceland, brought with it 2,400 boxes of fish – around 70 per cent of which was cod – with the rest being made up of haddock, halibut and others.

The fish is caught using 20 miles of lines filled with 40,000 hooks, and once on the trawler is cooled rapidly to 0oC, within two hours, to keep it extra fresh.

Over the coming weeks, two more vessels are expected as the company behind the visit, Atlantic Fresh, looks to see if it is cheaper for trawlers to make the five-day round trip, from the Icelandic fishing waters to Grimsby and back again, rather than shipping the fish over by container.

Fridmundur Gudmundsson, second mate of the Agust, said a lack of cash liquidity in the Icelandic fish processing market has also helped to make Grimsby a more attractive port to land his vessel's catch.

He said: "In Iceland there is also a financial crisis and they need the cash flow straightaway.

"We have fish factories in Iceland, but the banks are not lending money because of the cash flow situation.

"But it's better to fish this way, as the fish is fresher and generally of better quality."

And, with the opening of a new fish processing plant on Grimsby's Riby Street at the weekend, as reported, there is a new optimism on the south bank of the Humber.

Martyn Boyers, chief executive of Grimsby fish market, said the arrival of the second Icelandic trawler was good for Grimsby.

"The second Icelandic trawler generated even more interest on the market, because it has proved to people that this is not a one-off," he said.

"This is yet more good news for the docks, the fish market and the town as a whole."

The fishing industry has shown resilience in the face of recession, with more people turning to the nation's favourite meal as the town helps a battered Icelandic economy return to its business roots.

As reported, Grimsby seafood giant Young's has seen sales of its frozen products soar 20 per cent, with the best-selling Chip Shop range responsible for much of that growth.

Mr Boyers said: "I am delighted with how well things have gone, and I hope this continues in the future.

"The fish is selling very well and at acceptable prices.

"The docking has encouraged a lot of interest from fish processors, which is fantastic."