Year of establishment
Extensive testing of, among other things, floaters, bags and discharge systems. As early as 2011, three pilot units were already in operation, leased to an external fish farmer for production of large smolt. Several research projects were conducted with good results for production up to approx. 1.5 kg. Nevertheless, challenges persisted in maintaining a stable production environment.
Pre-engineering of the current solution begins – “Akvapod 1.0” (6,000 m³). Alignment between the floating ring and pressure inside the bag became the key factor.
The Sæterosen site comes into operation with Akvapod 1.0, initiated through the company’s allocated R&D licenses. The first period is characterized by challenges in getting all parameters to align, limited harmony between technology and biology. Filtration of feces and particles begins. Several filter types are tested, eventually settling on a drum filter.
The Andalsvågen site comes into operation. Oxygen supply from land is gradually established. A milestone for the company to deliver oxygen over longer distances, eliminating the need to search for locations close to infrastructure such as road access.
The Hamsundet site comes into operation. Two development licenses are granted in June, and the project moves from the initial research phase to the development phase.
A drying facility for sludge treatment is put into use. From this point, dried sludge could be delivered for further use. A milestone in avoiding transport of heavy wet sludge with low dry-matter content over long distances.
The company delivers Megasmolt to a customer for the first time.
Implementation of an environmental net with a closed bottom (instead of a standard aquaculture net) outside the sealed bag, and installation of a bottom sludge suction system. The sludge collection rate increases.
Engineering and modelling for “Akvapod 2.0” (16,000 m³) begins.
Seawater is pumped into each production unit from a depth of 20-30 meters. At this depth, salmon lice are not present, which makes the production naturally lice‑free. This significantly reduces the need for treatments and handling, which in turn lowers stress levels and contributes to better fish welfare.
Drawing water from this depth also ensures more stable temperatures where the fish thrive. This improves welfare, supports good appetite, and reduces stress – all of which create more predictable production conditions.
In addition, the seawater pumped into the units is oxygenated and given a controlled current, allowing us to create an ideal, stable environment for the fish.
This keeps the fish healthy and active throughout the entire production cycle, and contributes to high product quality – both in terms of growth and fillet quality.
Instead of letting fish waste and organic material spread directly into the sea, our technology is designed and developed to capture a substantial share of the sludge.
The fish sludge is collected inside the units and directed into further processing where dead fish are handled separately, while sludge and particles are separated out and gathered. Depending on the setup and needs at each site, the sludge is either stored in wet form or further processed through dewatering and drying.
This handling reduces the environmental impact around the farm and gives us better control of our discharges. At the same time, it allows the nutrients in the sludge to be put to further use. For example, in biogas production or as fertilizer – supporting a more circular and sustainable form of farming.
