Feed producer BioMar is to boost its larval research capabilities, with its newly-expanded feed research facility in Denmark expected to formally open its doors in September of this year.
Established in 1992, BioMar's Aquaculture Technology Centre in Hirtshals, Denmark, is one of Europe's largest privately owned aquaculture feed research centres. The new investment, BioMar says, will allow for an expansion into a new, larger facility with the capability of performing trials in semi-industrial conditions.
The existing feed trial unit has a footprint of 1,200 square meters, including an experimental tank capacity of 219 tanks, including 11 separate RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) systems and four retention units. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with sections optimized for different fish sizes, species, and research purposes. The systems can be adjusted to meet various predefined trial conditions, and up to 16 trials can be conducted simultaneously.
According to a statement released by BioMar, the newly expanded facility will serve as a central hub for the company's research and development activities. To reinforce the team's expertise in marine hatchery operations, six multinational research and development staff members will be added. The facility will include dedicated units for larval rearing and live feed production, enabling extensive research and testing of hatchery feeds for various marine species.
Henrik Aarestrup, BioMar's Vice President LATAM, Shrimp & Hatchery, underlined the strategic importance of the expansion for BioMar, stating, "We believe that this investment will unlock potential for growth in new markets and new species. This will bring innovations, further solidifying our position as a leading provider of premium-quality hatchery feeds." Aarestrup also said the hatchery facilities would play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of marine fish and shrimp feeds.
Simon Wadsworth, Global R&D Director at BioMar, highlighted the importance of the investment to support the ongoing development of BioMar's LARVIVA hatchery feeds, supplied to the main hatchery markets. The company has already undertaken two capacity expansions at BioMar's production facility in France to cover the market demand.
"We are commissioning advanced larval research facilities to ensure the continued high performance of LARVIVA, as well as developing further products for this highly specialized global market," Wadsworth said.
"The core research team has also been strengthened by leading larval rearing expertise from the Mediterranean region. The new facility will significantly strengthen our research capacity in this dynamic segment," he added.
This latest development for BioMar's R&D strategy follows recent news that the company is partnering with Agronutris on developing insect protein-based feed, as well as investigating using single-celled protein for aquafeed with biotechnology company Arbiom.
BioMar is a world leader in high performance diets for more than 45 different fish and shrimp species in more than 80 countries. Founded in 1962 by a group of Danish fish farmers, BioMar's heritage is a long-term commitment to developing the aquaculture industry in a responsible and sustainable way.