Finnforel Gigafactory in Varkaus.
© Finnforel
Finnforel, a Finnish aquaculture technology company, has signed an agreement with ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, to develop a state-of-the-art land-based fish farming facility close to Abu Dhabi.
The planned RAS facility, which will cultivate rainbow trout, is to be located within KEZAD Group’s dedicated zone for aquaculture and related industries, with dedicated infrastructure, utilities and connectivity. The proposed land-based farm will have a production capacity of 3,000 tons annually, the companies announced.
The feasibility and planning phase of the project is set to conclude by early 2025, with construction beginning in the second quarter. The farm is expected to become operational by 2027. Once completed, it will be the first commercial-scale RAS operation in the UAE, modeled on Finnforel’s existing facilities in Finland.
According to the companies, approximately 70% of the total seafood consumed in the UAE is currently imported, with the total volume of salmon imports alone reaching 10,000 tons per year.
“Our collaboration with Finnforel exemplifies our commitment to harnessing state-of-the-art technology to facilitate the expansion of local food production capabilities. With imports currently catering to the vast majority of the demand for protein in the UAE, our focus is to work towards closing supply gaps by introducing a new way of cultivating high-quality seafood that is cherished for its nutritional value," said Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group CEO at ADQ, in a press release.
“Finnforel’s mission is to build a network of local facilities based on our tried-and-tested vertically integrated concept; an endeavor which must be pursued sustainably and with environmental responsibility. It is a tremendous honor for Finnforel to embark on this exciting journey of prospective growth with ADQ," added Pekka A. Viljakainen, Co-Founder and CEO of Finnforel Group.
Founded in 2015, Finnforel operates two RAS facilities in Finland with a combined production capacity of 3,000 tons. Known for its vertically integrated model, Finnforel says it is focused on expanding its global presence while adhering to sustainable practices, including zero emissions and waste elimination.
The Finnish company recently announced it had secured a significant investment from Mitsubishi Corporation to support development of its "Gigafactory" concept, an integrated facility model that combines farming, processing, and packaging on one site, which the company says increases efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances food security.