Private sector - Business and economics

Iceland: Total catch increased by 19.9% in April

Total catch of Icelandic vessels in April 2013 was 110,657 tonnes compared to 80,266 tonnes in April 2012. Demersal species accounted for 44 thousand tonnes, thereof cod 21 thousand tonnes, haddock nearly 4,300 tonnes, redfish 6,400 tonnes and saithe 7,200 tonnes. The pelagic catch was 59,546 tonnes, thereof blue whiting 59,475 tonnes.

Friday, 17 May 2013 05:01

Islandsbanki focuses on the North Atlantic region

Íslandsbanki has defined a new strategy for overseas business. In recent years the bank undertook international advisory business through its US subsidiary Glacier Securities. A large proportion of its projects were Latin American.

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 20:01

Reynir Kristjansson, chairman of the board of Kolvidur, and Hordurur Arnarson, CEO of Landsvirkjun, sign the aggreement

Agreement signed with Kolviður, the Iceland Carbon Fund

Landsvirkjun and the Iceland Carbon Fund signed an agreement on the 3rd of May, 2013. The agreement outlines Landsvirkjun’s intention to offset all transportation-related carbon dioxide emissions (petroleum and diesel) produced by vehicles and machinery; as a result of staff air travel, both inland and international and the disposal of waste materials. The total emissions were approx. 1.000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent last year.

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 08:01

Get your prepaid SIM card in Iceland

Vodafone Iceland offers prepaid SIM cards that are suitable for those travelling in Iceland, or planning on staying in Iceland for a short period of time. With a prepaid SIM card you can top-up anytime and stay connected during your trip, which is perfect for those who travel with their own mobile/cell phone or smartphone, and want to be able to make local calls without having to pay roaming charges.

Tuesday, 14 May 2013 17:05

Icelandair Group: Traffic Data April 2013

The Company carried 148 thousand passengers on international flights in April. The number of passengers was up by 9% as compared to April last year. The capacity increase in April totalled 20% between years.

Tuesday, 14 May 2013 13:20

The managing directors of Horns II slhf., Hermann Már Thórisson (left) and Steinar Helgason (right).

Landsbréf create ISK 8.5 bn new initiative fund

Landsbréf have completed financing a new initiative fund, Horn II slhf. There are around 30 shareholders, comprised of pension funds, financial undertakings and institutional investors. With contributions amounting to ISK 8.5 bn, Horn II is a sizable fund with considerable investment capacity; it is in a position to make its presence felt in the Icelandic economy over the next years.

Monday, 13 May 2013 16:33

Fish farming might quintuple in the next years

If the Icelandic fish farming continues to increase as it has and as it suggests it will, it could effect the industrial activity and economic life in the Westfjords as much as the traditional fishery does today.

Monday, 13 May 2013 14:24

Successful Entrepreneurs scream "First Topless" to avoid taking out pizza boxes

We reported recently that Icelandic software company Clara was bought by Jive Software for over ISK 1 billion. Read more HERE. Gunnar Hólmsteinn, CEO and co-founder of Clara tells an interesting story about topless workers and empty pizza boxes.

Saturday, 11 May 2013 18:35

Central Bank of Iceland puts pressure on claim holders

The Central Bank of Iceland (CBI) is putting pressure on the claim holders of Landsbankinn bank by not replying to a request made by the resolution committee. The committee asked for an exemption from the laws on capital controls so that they can pay 200 billion ISK (~1.29 bn EUR) in foreign currency to priority claim holders.

Saturday, 11 May 2013 13:51

Iceland: First Minke whale of the year has been caught

The first Minke Whale of the year has been caught. The event marks the beginning of the Minke Whale hunting season. The boat Hafsteinn SK brought the whale to shore last night after it was shot at Faxafloi bay yesterday.

Friday, 10 May 2013 14:04