Our Story

Three generations of Icelandic seafood excellence, built on respect for the ocean and the communities that depend on it.

Ísafjörður harbour

Born of the Westfjords

Brimherji was founded in 1947 by Magnús Sigurðsson, a fisherman from Ísafjörður who believed that Iceland's pristine waters held a gift that should be shared with the world.

What began with a single wooden vessel and a crew of eight has grown into one of Iceland's most respected seafood companies. Today, Brimherji operates seven vessels, employs over 450 people, and exports premium seafood products to more than 35 countries.

Despite our growth, we remain true to our founder's vision: that great seafood starts with respect — respect for the ocean, respect for our communities, and respect for the traditions that have sustained Icelandic fishing for centuries.

Our headquarters remain in Ísafjörður, where the Westfjords meet the sea. It's a place where the midnight sun illuminates our summer catches and the Northern Lights dance above our winter fleet. This is where Brimherji belongs.

What Guides Us

Heritage

We honour the traditions of Icelandic fishing while embracing innovation. Our methods evolve, but our respect for the craft endures across generations.

🎯

Quality

From the moment a fish is caught to the moment it reaches your plate, we maintain the highest standards. Cold-chain integrity, expert processing, rigorous testing.

🌍

Responsibility

We fish for today and tomorrow. Every decision we make considers its impact on marine ecosystems, our workforce, and the communities we serve.

Our Team

Experienced leaders steering Brimherji toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

S

Sigurður Björnsson

CEO & Managing Director

H

Helga Magnúsdóttir

CFO

E

Einar Þórsson

VP Operations & Fleet

K

Katrín Jónsdóttir

VP Sales & Marketing

Ó

Ólafur Haraldsson

Director of Processing

B

Birna Sveinsdóttir

Director of Sustainability

G

Guðmundur Árnason

Director of HR

R

Ragnar Ingólfsson

Fleet Captain

78 Years of Excellence

The milestones that have shaped Brimherji into the company it is today.

1947

A Fisherman's Dream

Magnús Sigurðsson, a 32-year-old fisherman, purchases Brimrún, a 22-metre wooden vessel, and establishes Brimherji with a crew of 8 from Ísafjörður. The company name merges "brim" (surf/sea) and "herji" (warrior) — warriors of the sea.

1955

Second Vessel

Brimherji acquires its second vessel, Ísbjörn, a 30-metre steel trawler. The company begins supplying salt cod to Spain and Portugal.

1963

Onshore Processing

The company opens its first processing plant at Sundahöfn in Ísafjörður, employing 45 workers. The facility specialises in salt cod and dried fish (harðfiskur).

1972

The Cod Wars

During Iceland's extension of fishing limits, Brimherji adapts operations and focuses on sustainable harvesting within the new 50-mile zone.

1978

Second Generation

Björn Magnússon takes over as CEO. He expands the fleet to four vessels and opens fresh fish export channels to the UK and Scandinavia.

1990

ITQ System Adoption

Iceland introduces the Individual Transferable Quota system. Brimherji secures substantial quota allocations for cod, haddock, and redfish.

1995

Modernisation

Major investment in automated processing lines and blast freezing technology. Brimherji achieves EU and FDA export certification.

2003

Asian Markets

Brimherji establishes a sales office in Tokyo and begins exporting premium sashimi-grade products to Japan, South Korea, and China.

2008

MSC Certification

All major fisheries achieve Marine Stewardship Council certification. Despite the financial crisis, Brimherji emerges stronger due to its export-driven revenue.

2015

Third Generation

Sigurður Björnsson, grandson of the founder, becomes CEO at age 38. He launches the "Brimherji 2030" strategic vision focusing on sustainability and technology.

2019

Brimfaxi Launched

The 78-metre flagship Brimfaxi RE-101 is christened in Ísafjörður harbour — the most technologically advanced fishing vessel in Iceland's fleet.

2025

Into the Future

Brimherji reports record revenue. The company commissions Sólfaxi, Iceland's first hybrid-electric fishing vessel, targeting full carbon neutrality by 2030.

Join Our Crew

We're always looking for talented, passionate people to join the Brimherji family. Explore career opportunities across our fleet and facilities.