Construction starts for full-scale mRAS at Hausvik

In collaboration with Hellesund Fiskeoppdrett and OceanFarm Holding, we have now started the groundwork for a new, land-based fish farming facility at Hausvik in Lyngdal. The facility marks an important milestone in the development of future sustainable fish farming solutions, and will produce post-smolt for Hellesund Fiskeoppdrett.

The facility is based on our own technology for land-based salmon farming, called mRAS, which has been tested and verified on a smaller scale in the same area. The goal is to demonstrate a complete, commercial concept that combines high biosecurity, lower cost levels and minimal environmental impact. The facility is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025 with a planned annual production of 190 tons of postsmolt.

CEO Daniel Jakobsen says the following:

• With this facility, we are taking a big step towards commercializing a new standard for land-based aquaculture. There is a great demand for new RAS solutions internationally, and we have a very promising technology.

OceanFarm Holding will contribute with expertise in the operation of the facility, while Hellesund Fiskeoppdrett is central to the financing and contributes expertise throughout the value chain. Post-smolt produced in the facility will be used in their fish farms, which contributes to better fish health and increased production efficiency. Innovation Norway has also contributed with funding in the project.

The new facility at Hausvik will lay the foundation for further sales of EFC technology, as well as the scaling up of the subsidiary Lista Laks, where we plan to realize our circular farming model on a commercial scale. This facility was granted a permit for 6,000 tons of food fish per year in May 2024.

Head of Technology, Mats Staddeland says the following:

• EFC mRAS combines existing off-the-shelf components in a new, standardized process design. This results in reduced investment costs, while improving biosecurity and flexibility. The plant will function equally well for post-smolt as for grow-out. The collaboration with Hellesund Fiskeoppdrett and OceanFarm Holding allows us to combine technology development with solid operational experience and ensure high quality in all parts of the project.