AKVA Group predicts major growth from deep farming and post-smolt technologies

Norwegian aquaculture technology supplier AKVA Group says emerging production methods such as "deep farming" and post-smolt systems could significantly expand global salmon output over the next decade.

The company estimates that deep farming could boost harvesting volumes by more than 15% globally, while post-smolt systems could lift production by 30–35%. In Norway alone, these technologies represent a combined market opportunity of about NOK 16 billion (€1.4bn / $1.5bn) by 2030, AKVA states in its third-quarter results presentation.

Deep farming involves submersible cages that operate below the surface, where fish are less exposed to sea lice, algal blooms and rough weather, which AKVA claims can reduce sea lice treatments by around 85% and improve fish welfare.

This type of technology is being developed for both salmon and cod, with the announcement earlier this year that AKVA is partnering with Norwegian cod farmer Ode to install several of its submersible Nautilus pens designed for deep-water operations.

AKVA indicated in its report that it values the Norwegian market opportunity for deep farming at about NOK 6 billion (€528m / $567m) by 2030, while technologies for smolt and post-smolt production could represent a further NOK 10 billion (€880m / $945m).

AKVA reported revenue of NOK 1.11 billion (€98m / $105m) for the third quarter of 2025, up 19% year-on-year. The company said its financial position remains solid, and is maintaining its target of achieving revenue of at least NOK 4 billion (€352m / $378m) and an EBIT margin of 6% in 2025.

During the quarter, AKVA Group's EBITDA increased to NOK 148 million (€13m / $14m), which the company said was largely due to the its land-based segment, which almost doubled its revenue to NOK 308 million (€27m / $29m) during the quarter - continuing this trend from previous quarters. The company said it had a total land-based order backlog worth NOK 2.36 billion (€208m / $223m) at the end of September.

AKVA also reported that in early Q4 it has secured a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) contract valued at NOK 220 million (€19m / $21m) from Tytlandsvik Aqua, a post-smolt producer based in Rogaland, Norway, which is co-owned by Grieg Seafood, Bremnes Seashore, and Vesthavbruk.