Kristoffer Repstad (Skeie), Kjetil Njærheim (Aqua Robotics), Knut Molaug (Aqua Robotics), Håkon Berg (Skeie), Øystein Eriksen (Nysnø) og John Egil Johannessen (Nysnø).
Nysnø
Aqua Robotics AS has secured NOK 85 million in funding through Skeie Technology AS and Stavanger-based Nysnø Climate Investments AS, as well as the existing shareholders T.D. Veen AS, Jakob Hatteland Holding AS, and Kkera Invest AS.
The aim of the investment is to help Aqua Robotics ambitions as a technology provider within fish health, fish welfare and sustainability. After the transaction, the company will be "well-positioned to achieve its ambitious growth plans of becoming the leading provider of net cleaning."
Aqua Robotics works in offering a net that is always clean. This, reduces the need for the use of copper or other growth-inhibiting factors. Consequently, there is a reduction of energy, less need of medicines for the fish and number of boat arrivals to the facility.
In addition, the company confirmed, the energy consumption associated with nets is reduced by 98% annually and to lowering CO2 emissions by 24 tons per cage per year on average.
Regarding this, John Egil Johannessen, Investment Manager at Nysnø Climate Investments, said: "The company's HALO robot will improve life for both breeders and fish, and additionally contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing copper pollution in the marine environment."
"As a result of cleaning, Aqua Robotics' solutions will provide a better environment for the fish – with less stress, fewer sources of infection and generally improved fish health. This also leads to better profitability for the users," he added.
On the other hand, CEO, Kjetil Njærheim, and Chairman of the Board, Knut Molaug, at Aqua Robotics, commented: "We are very pleased to have owners of such quality who share our visions and ambitions for how we can succeed in creating value for the entire aquaculture farming industry. Skeie Technology and Nysnø's experience and familiarity with the industry appeals to us, this along with their focus on technology development to solve challenges within fish health, fish welfare and sustainability."
Finally, CEO of Skeie Technology, Håkon André Berg, stated: "We see Aqua Robotics as a highly innovative company which addresses critical challenges that the aquaculture farming industry is struggling with today. The company's focus on technology development, such as continuous cleaning and inspection/monitoring of the nets, are important contributions for further development in the industry."
Aqua Robotics also has a three-year commitment with Mowi. It is based on collaborating on the development of on-farm cleaning robots, which will be deployed in all Mowi plants.
