The Alida site in Volda, Norway, where AKVA Group is installing its customized submersible pens for Ode.
Photo: Ode.
The world's first commercial deep farming cod operation is on the way. Norwegian cod farming company Ode is investing in several Nautilus units, AKVA group's submersible pens designed for deep-water operations, aiming to improve fish welfare and production conditions.
In a joint statement, both companies said that the first four complete Nautilus units will be installed at Ode's site in Alida, Volda municipality, Norway, during the second and third quarters of 2025.
Since cod is a deep-water species that thrives below the surface in cold, stable water, by lowering the cages, Ode can offer better environmental conditions, improved fish welfare, and, crucially in aquaculture, consistent growth and quality throughout the year.
By allowing better control of light exposure, temperature and water quality, all of which are critical factors for optimal cod growth and welfare, AKVA group's submersible pens technology offers key advantages for cod farming.
Thus, Ode's decision to invest in submersible pens is part of a broader strategy in terms of innovation and development, intending to optimize production and product quality, as CEO Ola Kvalheim explained.
"We combine biological insight with new technology to provide cod with the best possible conditions for growth. Submersible pens are a natural next step to enhance fish welfare, sustainability, and product quality," he said. However, as he also pointed out, its benefits could mean changes beyond the improvement of current farming conditions.
"If we meet our performance targets this year, we will roll out the solution at additional sites suitable for this technology. This could also reshape which sites and areas are considered optimal for cod farming," Ode's CEO added.
Nautilus is AKVA group's submersible pen designed for deep-water operations, aiming to improve fish welfare and production conditions.
Photo: AKVA group.
As said above, to install these submersible pens, the Norwegian cod farmer has teamed up with AKVA group, and the two companies are working closely together for installation during the second and third quarters of 2025.
Furthermore, although, as mentioned, the four units to be installed correspond to AKVA group's Nautilus system, the cages are adapted for operations at greater depths than standard solutions and will therefore benefit from the favorable currents at the Alida cod farming site.
Torunn Jørstad, Sales Manager Nordic at AKVA group, who described the collaboration between the two companies as very positive, praised the innovative spirit and experience of the Ode team. Together with the experienced project team of the AKVA group, she is confident that the transition to deep farming will be carried out safely and successfully.
"This is an exciting step for cod farming, and we're proud to support Ode with a Nautilus system adapted for deeper waters," Jørstad said. "A gradual approach to increased depth is wise – both for the customer and for us – allowing us to build experience at the right pace," she added.
As Ola Kvalheim said, if the submersible pens technology delivers the expected results, after Alida, it will be applied at other sites. Ode currently operates six active marine sites along the Norwegian coast, manages its own processing plant in Vartdal, and has a dedicated sales team delivering fresh farmed cod to customers worldwide - all year round.
