Salmon processor Hannah heads to Alaska for second season, liens hang overhead

Northline Seafoods' processing barge, the Hannah, is set to return to Bristol Bay for its second season after a challenging first year marked by an electrical fire. The fire, which erupted just six weeks into operations, was extinguished quickly but resulted in operational setbacks, forcing half of the fish suppliers to seek other processors. Despite these difficulties, Northline successfully purchased over 9 million pounds of salmon, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. However, the company is now grappling with $1. 4 million in liens filed by contractors due to delayed payments for construction work.

The construction project faced issues with planning and design, leading to inefficiencies that affected the project's timeline and budget. Contractor Jan Kallshian expressed concern over the financial standing of Northline, indicating that some contractors had begun to lose patience. Blakey noted the project's significant support for local businesses and the community, though he did not address the liens directly. The situation underscores the challenges faced by seafood processors and the broader implications for the fishing industry in Alaska.