Fredrikstad Seafoods, a subsidiary of Fredrikstad, Norway-headquartered Nordic Aquafarms, has obtained a construction permit for a 10,000-square-meter facility that will be the largest land-based salmon production complex in Europe. Upon completion, it will serve as a model for a similar project to be launched in the USA state of Maine.
The phase 2 design features a bundle of new innovations related to efficient footprint, self-cleaning tanks, efficient logistics and environmental standards that include the removal of 99% of most nutrients before discharge. Planning and engineering has been in the making for over a year, and the company is looking forward starting construction alongside a new smolt facility at the site once remaining permits are in place.
Nordic Aquafarms is backed by a group of investors from various parts of Norway. Its production companies benefit from financial support from grant organizations including Horizon 2020 (EU), Innovasjon Norge and Skattefunn (Norway), and MUPD (Denmark).
Norway ranks as the world’s top exporter of salmon, shipping 81,000 tons worth NOK 6.1 billion in May alone this year. Export value increased by NOK 851 million, or 16% compared with May last year. During the first five months of 2018 approximately 400,000 tons of salmon exports generated sales of NOK 27 billion.
