Legacy

Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish and the Foundation Behind Ganti ehf

Ganti ehf is built on strong experience and long-standing knowledge from Iceland’s fishing industry in Grindavík. A key part of that foundation comes from Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish, one of the oldest names in Icelandic fisheries.

Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish grew from the practical needs of a fishing community where the sea has always been central to daily life. In its early years, the company developed through hard work, steady growth, and a clear focus on reliable operations and strong standards — values that became closely associated with the Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish name over time.

The Early Foundations

Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish was established in a period when Icelandic fisheries were evolving rapidly, moving toward greater structure, improved handling methods, and stronger market demands for quality. The company became part of that development, building operations that supported consistent landings and long-term progress within the industry. From the beginning, Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish represented a commitment to the fundamentals of good fishing practice: careful handling, dependable crews, and responsibility toward both product and resource.

Tómas Þorvaldsson & Hulda Björnsdóttir

Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish was founded by Tómas Þorvaldsson and his wife Hulda Björnsdóttir.

Tómas Þorvaldsson was shaped by the realities of coastal Iceland, where work at sea required discipline, practical skill, and strong decision-making. From an early age, he became closely connected to fishing and the harbour community in Grindavík, gaining first-hand experience of the demands and standards required to operate successfully in the industry.

Together, Tómas and Hulda helped establish Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish as a company built on reliability, professionalism, and long-term thinking — creating a foundation that influenced generations within Icelandic fisheries.

This legacy is also personal. We are descendants of Tómas and Hulda, and we remain committed to carrying forward the values they built their work upon.

The Meaning Behind the Name “Ganti”

The name Ganti comes from a small hill on the shores of Grindavík. For generations, people stood there to watch the boats come in — a familiar gathering place tied closely to the harbour, the weather, and the rhythm of fishing life. It was a place known in Tómas Þorvaldsson’s youth, and even in the time before him. Choosing the name Ganti reflects what we stand for: connection to our community, respect for tradition, and pride in the work that arrives to harbour.

Continuing a Proven Legacy

Following the division of Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish into three separate fishing companies, Ganti ehf was established to continue this heritage, with the same commitment to:

A Name That Represents Our Heritage

Our vessel is named Hulda Björnsdóttir in recognition of her role in building the foundation behind Þorbjörn hf / Thorfish and the legacy we carry forward today.