Éric Guygniec et Xavier Le Floc'h two skippers, owners of trawlers Annythia, Marie-Lou and Carmalia created a new structure: 'Armament of the artisanal fisheries of Keroman', the first in the fishing port of Lorient, much more used to big industrial firms like Jégo-Quéré and Scapêchet.
Why create the Apak? To achieve economies of scale, says Eric Guygniec, appointed manager of the new venture. To control equipment for three boats works out cheaper than for a single boat. It's that simple. The costs are expected to decline further when Apak take on a fourth trawler. Acquiring a 18m-20m, is in my plans, confirms Eric Guygniec. But a good boat, not too old. The Apak was not yet established when the two owners had already secured the services of an engineer in house. Their role? Follow the maintenance of three boats, mechanical and hydraulics. Again, it is anticipated, said Eric Guygniec that this will prevent more worries, less boat time will remain in dock and will be more profitable as a result. A direct response to the high cost of diesel fuel, whose prices are rising year after year.
The creation of the Apak also led Eric and Xavier Le Floc'h Guygniec to invest in a service building. Each boat was cramped in its own net shed. Trawls net, chains, ropes, etc, now all equipment is assembled in the old AML wharehouse, with plenty of room for gear in the 800 sq m and there is 350 sq m of sheltered courtyard", says Eric Guygniec. Offices in the front will be leased to the local fisheries committee who will occupy the premises at the inception of the departmental committee in January, after the merger with the local committee of Auray-Vannes. Apak are also equipped with a crane truck to transport the material to the boats. "The investment ends there, insists Eric Guygniec. We will continue working with companies in the port. Management with the group management, repairs, painting, electronics, etc. with our regular suppliers, to each his skills.