Call Now

Premium Prawns for Export, Wholesale or Retail
IN HERVEY BAY

Based in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia Ocean King Prawn Company, led by Barry and Valeria Murphy since 1987, boasts a fleet of 11 deep-water trawlers and MSC certification, ensuring sustainably sourced premium seafood. With four of their five children actively involved, the company continues to prioritise quality and sustainability. Reach out today to learn more about our products.

Contact Us

A Legacy of Family and Commitment

We began in 1987 when Barry and Valeria Murphy purchased their first trawler, laying the foundation for a family owned and operated enterprise. The Murphy family’s dedication is evident in every aspect of our operations. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has shaped the company’s growth, earning them a reputation for excellence in the seafood industry.

Our Story
Barry & Valeria Murphy and their 5 children (4 boys and a girl) were born in Warrnambool, Victoria.  They owned and operated several businesses before moving to Hervey Bay, Queensland where they purchased a tourism business, ferrying people to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) for tours of the Island.
1987
They began their fishing journey in 1987 when they purchased their first wooden trawler, the “Denny Ben”. They purchased another a few years later, the “Boonari Likoo”.
denny ben boat
joseph m trawler

1997

In 1997 they built their first steel trawler, custom designed to fish the deep water, and named it “Joseph M”, after their oldest grandson. Another 3 trawlers were built over the course of five years, Benjamin, Maddison and Emma, all named after grandchildren. Two of their sons, Gregory and Stephen were skippers onboard the vessels for many years and several grandchildren have worked as deckhands over the years.

2004
Building of a 600-pallet commercial freezer storage facility in Hervey Bay was completed in 2004 enabling the business to export and wholesale directly. The vessels all unload at Urangan Boat Harbour, which is a five-minute drive away. A processing factory was built on the same site and the business office is also based there.
2014

With maintenance and refits being a major expense of the business, the local shipyard, also situated at Urangan, was purchased in 2014 and renamed Murphy Ship Lifts. 

The fleet has grown to 11 vessels, all custom built or refitted to work the deep water.
msc best sustainable seafood business award logo
The business now has MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Certification for king prawn caught by their fleet and processed in their factory. This was a significant accomplishment as they are the first sustainably certified fishery in Queensland.

Barry still runs the business and is in the office or at the shipyard most days.  Four of their children and several grandchildren also work in the business.

The family’s commitment to quality and sustainability has shaped the company’s growth, earning them a reputation for excellence in the seafood industry.

Experience sustainability and quality like never before! Dial +61 7 4125 4823 

Contact us