December 31, 2025

 

SalMar and Lerøy part of initiative for next-gen closed salmon production tech

 

SalMar and Lerøy are taking a new step in developing Norwegian salmon aquaculture through a joint initiative on the next generation of closed production technology, Aquatraz C2.

 

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 meters 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," said Frode Arntsen, chief executive officer of SalMar ASA, in a press release.

 

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," said Henning Beltestad, CEO of Lerøy Seafood Group ASA.

 

SalMar and Lerøy emphasised that this is not a signal that all production will move into closed systems, but rather a clear response to the industry's and authorities' shared ambition to develop new solutions that can contribute to sustainable growth in Norwegian seafood production.

 

The companies are contributing to 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.

 

"Aquatraz C2 is the result of more than 10 years of development work, with continuous improvement and learning from practical operations," said Alf Reidar Sandstad, CEO of Seafarming Systems AS. "This gives us a solid technical and biological foundation for taking the next step in closed-cage development. The key is cages with large farming volume, high water exchange, low energy consumption and competitive cost."

 

The companies are now requiring the necessary clarifications and approvals from the authorities to ensure stable framework conditions during this phase.

 

- Aquafeed.com