Many of the vessels that are part of Cabo Verde’s semi-industrial fleet are outdated, fuel-inefficient, and lack proper on-board refrigeration, resulting in spoilage rates of up to 30% and limited export opportunities. Therefore, the investments prioritized under HIH aim to modernize vessels, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase competitiveness of the country’s fishing sector in regional and international markets.

To address these challenges, the new investments identified will introduce solar-powered freezing units, insulated storage holds and blast freezers that preserve fish quality for both tourism and export markets. Hybrid propulsion systems and optimized hull designs will cut fuel costs by 20–30 percent and lower emissions by 25 percent. Digital monitoring and traceability systems will also be installed to ensure compliance with international standards, enabling access to premium markets in Europe and West Africa.

Complementary training programs for crews will cover sustainable fishing practices, handling techniques, and compliance with eco-label certification requirements.