Hermes since 1917
he history of Hermes dates back to 1917 when Nils Skandfer - more popularly known as Colin Archer's apprentice - built the "Hermes II".
Old photo of "Hermes II", year unknown
Immediately after construction, a merchant by the name of Ingebrigtsen from Alta purchased the boat and she set sail on fishing expeditions and carrying cargo, mainly in northern Troms and Finnmark.
She was later purchased by Martin Andersen in 1952.
"Hermes II" docking, 1975
Andersen's son, Jan Arne Lerbukt, took over in 1967. The boat was still sailing on fishing expeditions and carrying cargo, and Andersen's son gradually took over operation of the boat.
"Hermes II" fishing shrimps in the Barents sea, 1981
In 1982, Jan Arne Lerbukt purchased a new boat named "Snorre" with which to fish for capelin and shrimp in the Barents Sea and off the coast of Spitsbergen. This led to the foundation of the company Main Food AS in 1987.
"Snorre" after rebuilding to freezer trawler on her way to fishing capelin, 1983
By 1990, "Snorre" had been awarded a licence to trawl for cod.
"Hermes II" on her maiden voyage after renovation, 1994
In 2006, Main Food purchased one of Norway's most modern fishing boats at that time, "Tromsland", to continue the traditions established by "Hermes II".
The purchase was a collaboration between Main Food, Jakobsen og Sønner AS and Grimsholm AS. Tromsland AS, the holding company for the boat, retained a minorownership share in the vessel.
At the same time, Main Food AS changed its name to Hermes AS.