June 12, 2023

Akva Group secures US$64 million contract to build new aquaculture facility for Cermaq

Akva Group has been awarded a EUR 60 million (~US$64 million; EUR 1 = US$1.07) contract to construct a new Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility for Cermaq, which will have the capacity to produce 12 million post-smolts annually, The Fish Site reported.

The RAS facility, to be located on the island of Soroya in Finnmark, Norway, is expected to be operational by 2026. The facility will be smaller in scale than originally planned due to the uncertainties posed by Norway's new salmon tax.

The new facility will enable the company to meet its current smolt requirements and improve the quality of post-smolts produced. By utilising larger juvenile fish, Cermaq aims to enhance fish health and welfare, as they are more resilient and require only one winter in the sea instead of two. This approach will lead to fewer delousings and reduced stress.

Cermaq said that it will use technology that improves biosecurity and fish welfare, lowering disease risk significantly. The facility will also be designed to operate as Cermaq's most energy-efficient plant.

Knut Nesse, chief executive officer of Akva, said the contract with Cermaq Norway represents the largest contract for Akba group in Norway, and will support the activity level in their land-based business for the next few years.

-      The Fish Site