Scots companies poised for Aqua Nor showcase
Ten Scottish companies are preparing to take part in the first Scottish pavilion at Aqua Nor, the world’s largest aquaculture technology exhibition.
The biennial event takes place at the Trondheim Spektrum from 15-18 August this year, with around 20,000 visitors expected to attend.
The Scottish pavilion, located in hall A-006, is jointly hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Development International (SDI).
The ten Scottish companies that will be joining them are:
- Gael Force Marine Equipment Ltd – marine equipment supplier
- AquaMoor Ltd – mooring technology
- Aqualife – fish vaccine delivery
- Fusion Marine Ltd – fish cages
- Tritech International Ltd – underwater imaging equipment
- Trimara Services – net cleaning equipment and service
- Institute of Aquaculture – research and consultancy
- Thistle Marine (Peterhead) Ltd – crane supply, load testing and repair
- OTAQ – acoustic seal deterrent
- Bioemitters – biodynamic parasite control equipment
Gael Force and Aqua Moor are also planning new product launches during Aqua Nor.
The chance to meet a global audience has been a key factor when the group decided to participate at Aqua Nor 2017. Scotland’s expertise in aquaculture stems from its science- and facts-based approach to fish health and production. No other country worldwide can boast a higher number of world-class universities per head of population – and the graduates and science departments of the universities have been a key resource for Scottish companies.
Scottish innovation
Strong networks of industry and academic expertise create a collaborative environment that produces results. Joint projects include a trial to test the commercial viability of a mussel hatchery in Scotland and a project to increase the sustainable supply of cleaner-fish for use in sea lice control.
Dr Andrea McColl, HIE's senior development manager, life sciences, says: “There is an innovative nature to the aquaculture industry. And the companies that are coming to Aqua Nor thrive in this environment – taking advantage of all our expertise in life sciences, fish health, biosciences – and of course technology and engineering. The Scottish aquaculture industry is well regulated and renowned for its high standards.”
Positioned for growth
The aquaculture industry is important for Scotland, in particular for the Highlands and Islands, providing valuable employment in the coastal areas. The Scottish aquaculture industry and the Scottish Government share the ambition to see it double by 2030.
The companies attending Aqua Nor are all looking for international growth. “The technology, knowledge, products and services we bring with us have been used successfully along the Scottish coast line – and we believe our expertise and experience is a valuable addition to the global industry,” says McColl.
High expectations
This will be the first time McColl and several of her travel companions will have attended Aqua Nor. “We expect a high number of visitors at our stand and look forward to showing them what we have to offer,” McColl says. “We regard Aqua Nor as the most important aquaculture exhibition, so our expectations are high.”
The Scottish Pavilion will host a networking reception, making it easy to connect with the Scottish industry representatives and learn more about their products and services.
To set up a meeting or for more information about any of the exhibitors contact McColl on +44 (0) 300 013 4725, andrea.mccoll@hient.co.uk
