Elan Maritime – Final push to revenue
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
Dear Members of Elan Maritime,
As we approach the final stages of launching commercial operations, we want to acknowledge the long, often frustrating, road we’ve taken together. This has not been a straight line, and while external pressures and unforeseen challenges have impacted timelines, your continued commitment has brought us to the threshold of operational readiness.
Although we want to update everyone with the news that we were already out fishing we didn’t want to delay an update any longer. We are days away from converting time, energy and efforts into a working, producing asset. The finish line is in sight.
Readiness
Mechanical Systems – Complete
Throughout Spring 2025, we continued work on the Kathy Jeanne’s full refit. This included an unplanned second dry-dock for underwater welding. Despite these setbacks, the vessel has now:
- Passed its final mechanical and safety inspection
- Successfully completed its open-ocean sea trial, supervised by the Mexican Navy
- Been awarded its Certificate of Navigation
This milestone is now 100% complete.
Fishing Systems – 99% Complete
Following certification, the vessel was relocated to its permanent commercial mooring in El Sauzal, Baja California. The crew then conducted a test set to evaluate:
- Deployment and retrieval of the skiff and net
- Functionality of navigation, sonar, and autopilot systems
The test was a success. Based on this trial, we’ve identified ~12 minor adjustments to optimize deck layout, equipment placement, and operations. These are currently underway and expected to be resolved within 5–7 days.
Fishing Permit – 98% Complete
The most difficult and unpredictable aspect has been finalizing the fishing permit transfer. While we anticipated bureaucratic friction, the reality has far exceeded expectations. Each step — requiring in-person filings across multiple jurisdictions — has been subject to exacting formalities, with seemingly minor document errors causing cascading delays.
However, the process is now flowing. We are within days of receiving final authorization to attach the sardine permit to the Kathy Jeanne. Barring another unforeseen delay, we expect to receive full permission to leave port and begin fishing within the next week.
Near-Term Outlook (Next 3 Months)
Timing may work in our favor. Over the last two weeks, we’ve begun to observe the seasonal transition from anchovies to sardines along the Baja coast. Market indicators suggest sardine schools will be fully present in 3–4 weeks.
The Kathy Jeanne is authorized to fish both species, and our team has built out a sales pipeline capable of absorbing 100% of potential production from either. Our plan is to fish opportunistically based on what’s in the water and deliver against standing client interest.
Expected Fishing Cadence (Q3 2025)
We anticipate a measured ramp-up in the first 90 days of operations, which will include:
- Trip Frequency: 1 to 2 fishing trips per week, depending on conditions, catch availability, and permit terms.
- Operational Pattern: Each trip will require staging, crew rest, equipment prep, and market coordination, meaning we will not be operating on a daily basis.
- Initial Focus: Operational reliability, crew efficiency, and product quality — not just volume.
This tempo reflects both the natural cadence of artisanal and semi-industrial fishing in Baja, and our commitment to building a sustainable, high-quality operation.
Closing Note
We’re closer than ever to unlocking the next phase of this project — revenue. While we are being conservative with our forward commitments, the vessel is functionally ready, the crew is trained and tested, and the market is receptive. The last hurdle is paper — and we are almost over it.
Thank you for your continued trust and patience. We will issue a follow-up the moment we are officially underway.
Warm regards,
The Elan Maritime Team
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