From the time of the earliest settlements in the Faroe Islands, coastal fishing has been integral to the survival of its population. The island’s agriculture couldn’t solely sustain its inhabitants, which prompted them to diversify their sustenance through seabird and whale hunting, and notably, domestic sea fishing.
Historically, the backbone of this fishing effort was the Faroese úróðrarbátur, a rowing boat, a miniature version of the Viking boat equipped with both oars and sails. Depending on its size, the boat could accommodate two to twelve oars, manned by one person each. Particularly prevalent were the ”áttamannafar” (8-oar boat) and the ”tíggjumannafar” (10-oar boat). These boats often emerged from collective efforts within settlements or larger farms.
The shift towards major sea fishing efforts with fishing ships emerged in the latter half of the 19th century, changing the Faroe Islands from a primarily mediaeval agricultural and hunting society to a fishing community. However, coastal fishing remained an ancillary source of food and income.
By the early 20th century, engines started to replace oars in these traditional boats, reducing the need for large crews to just one or two men. This evolved vessel was termed ”installeringur”, laying the foundation for the contemporary Faroese boat. An example is the ”Greipan” TN 188, depicted on the first franking label. Crafted by boatbuilder Jóan Petur Clementsen in 2018, this 7-meter boat hails from Hoyvík.
The 20th century also saw the introduction of the ”deksbátur” (deck boat – cutter), constructed from wood. These vessels, with their spacious cargo holds, could accommodate larger hauls than their predecessors. An exemplar, ”Torvanes” FD 52, showcased on the second franking label, has its origins in Eiði. It spans 18.7 meters, 49,16 gross tonnage – 19,54 net tonnage, and was crafted at Ærøskøbing Ship and Boat Building in Denmark in 1968.
Subsequently, wooden cutters paved the way for steel ones, like ”Jóannes” SA 6 from Sandur. Spanning 10.79 meters, 14,91 gross tonnage – 3,76 net tonnage, it was constructed in 1977 by Svenor Industry & Ship Service in Norway and is featured on the third franking label.
The latest in this lineage are the fiberglass boats, versatile for both professional and recreational coastal fishing. A prime example, ”Lilja” VA 72, hailing from Sandavágur and spanning 12 meters, 6,3 gross tonnage and 1,8 net tonnage. Lilja VA 72 is depicted on the fourth franking label. Lilja was crafted at Provincial Boat Marine in Canada in 1993.
Anker Eli Petersen
