December 19, 2020

Benchmark Genetics to supply eggs to Nordic Aqua Partners' China salmon farm

Benchmark Genetics has been awarded a five-year contract to supply eggs to Nordic Aqua Partners' (NAP) land-based salmon farm in Ningbo, China, Fish Farmer reported.

Construction at the Ningbo site starts next month. Using RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) technology, the farm will have an initial capacity of 8,000 tonnes yearly, with plans to ramp it up to 16,000 and then 40,000 tonnes. It is said to be the first fully integrated and commercially viable RAS facility in China.

Benchmark would supply 9.5 million ova from its site in Iceland. NAP says biosecurity is a key issue for the Chinese government, and Benchmark's biosecure facilities combined with a comprehensive screening system make the company confident that the eggs from Benchmark have the best starting conditions when entering their RAS system.

Ragnar Joensen, chairman of the board of NAP, says, "Benchmark Genetics has a proven record of their ability to supply live eggs all-year-round to destinations worldwide, and security of supply is of key importance to optimise the production planning at our facility. Their R&D capabilities and product offering, adapted for land-based RAS production add to the benefits of signing long-term agreement with this provider."

Geir Olav Melingen, commercial director at Benchmark Genetics, says he was excited about signing another contract with a land-based project, adding: "We aim to be the leading supplier of genetics to land-based farming, wherever located around the globe.

"We have already supplied eggs to China since 2002 and have established a logistic system that so far has worked successfully, even during the challenging times of COVID-19."