The project includes the construction of six Aquatraz C2 units supplied by Seafarming Systems. The technology has been developed in collaboration with SalMar and Lerøy, building on experience from both the Aquatraz S1 delivered to Lerøy and the first four Aquatraz units developed for SalMar.
Each unit has a water volume of 70,000 m³, with six water intakes at a depth of 35 metres to ensure lice-free water and effective water exchange. This will double the volume of closed production capacity in Norway.
– If everything goes according to plan, the first fish will be stocked in these units in the first quarter of 2027, with full operations from 2028, says Frode Arntsen, CEO of SalMar ASA.
Parts of the construction will be produced in modules in China, while assembly will take place at a Norwegian shipyard. The project also involves technology suppliers from Norway and Europe.
The aim is to help solve key challenges related to salmon lice and emissions.
– We have worked systematically and purposefully on technology development for many years, and have made great progress with submerged cages and testing of semi-closed solutions. Now we are taking this a step further, says Henning Beltestad, CEO of Lerøy Seafood Group ASA.
SalMar and Lerøy emphasise that this is not a signal that all production will move into closed systems, but a clear response to the shared ambition of the industry and authorities to develop new solutions that can contribute to sustainable growth in Norwegian seafood production.
The companies are contributing to important technology development in Norwegian aquaculture and strengthening the Norwegian supplier industry, which is a globally leading innovation driver in the sector. The collaboration provides increased scale, knowledge sharing and reduced risk.
Both companies are clear that traditional technology will continue to be the essential foundation for Norwegian aquaculture, particularly at more exposed locations. Development of traditional equipment will continue in parallel with investments in new technological solutions.
In this way, Norway can play an increasingly important role in global food production while contributing to solutions for key environmental challenges facing the industry. Our goals are also increased food production, secure jobs and creating industrial ripple effects in Norway. The various production technologies complement and reinforce each other.
– Aquatraz C2 is the result of more than ten years of development work, with continuous improvement and learning from practical operations. This gives us a solid technical and biological foundation for taking the next step in closed-cage development, says Alf Reidar Sandstad, CEO of Seafarming Systems AS.
– The key is cages with large farming volume, high water exchange, low energy consumption and competitive cost, Sandstad concludes.
The companies are now preparing for delivery of the cages in about one year, so that sea production can begin. This requires the necessary clarifications and approvals from the authorities. It is crucial that the authorities ensure stable framework conditions during this phase.
Roger Bekken, CTO in SalMar, roger.bekken@salmar.no
Bjarne Reinert, COO Farming in Lerøy Seafood Group, bjarne.reinert@leroy.no
