The Gander International Airport Authority is branching out to assist the local fishing sector.

CEO Reg Wright says the $10 million project involves the creation of a cold storage facility on airport property that it’s hoped will help to diversify their operations.

The facility will include seawater storage tanks, blast freezers, cold storage, and “lots of capacity to build up pallets of fresh, or live seafood—up to 125 tonnes” says Wright. It’s a new line of business for the Airport Authority that they think holds a lot of promise.

Wright says construction is expected to get underway in the next year and the facility should be ready by 2025. He anticipates the cold storage will help the fishing industry’s ongoing efforts to get the best quality products to market.