The project is named Heimdall and was unveiled at this year’s AquaNor trade show.
ScaleAQ
ScaleAQ has sold its first closed containment fish farming cage to Hardingsmolt, a Norwegian company specializing in smolt production and advanced aquaculture, based in Tørvikbygd in the Vestland region.
The 'Heimdall' solution will be delivered next autumn and installed at the Koløy N site, which is located in the strait between Stord and Bømlo. According to ScaleAQ, the first production cycle will involve post-smolt in 2026, followed by fish for consumption in 2027.
"We greatly appreciate that such an experienced operator in closed systems has chosen our solution. We truly look forward to excellent collaboration on this project," said Ben Øksnes, CEO of ScaleAQ CAS.
Precisely, the Norwegian government recently introduced the "environmental flexibility" program for the aquaculture industry, whereby producers who invest in closed fish farming technology will be able to reclaim production capacity lost under Norway's "traffic light" permit system.
Regarding this, Øksnes explained: "Our Heimdall cage meets all the requirements set by the new regulations. This shows that we have worked well over the years to develop a solid solution. Additionally, it offers unique modularity that allows the farmer to adapt to different environmental conditions or regulatory changes.
One of the most notable features of this project is how the water flow is managed, with very low energy consumption and highly reliable pumps. According to Øksnes, this technology is designed to adapt to the fish, not the other way around.
Finally, the CEO of Hardingsmolt confirmed: "ScaleAQ, with its fish-centered approach, has developed a new large-volume alternative that offers excellent circulation, oxygenation, and sludge collection."