From e-boats to awards, Aquaculture UK promises a busy two days

The first completely electric coded workboat in the UK will be on show outside the main exhibition tent at Aquaculture UK at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14 and 15.

The E Flugga boat, built using renewable energy by Shetland based Flugga Boats (Unst Inshore Services), is one of a myriad of attractions at the two-day event which is expected to draw a record number of attendees from around the world.

The trade show has been expanded, both indoors the exhibition tent and outside, to accommodate more exhibitors, and a number of new events will showcase the developments shaping the future of the industry.

As well as the Keynote Programme, beginning on May 14 and headed by Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, there will be an inaugural Innovation Theatre, with an international line-up of aquaculture experts focusing on fast-changing technology.

May 15 kicks off with the Institute of Aquaculture’s Breakfast Meeting featuring an update on the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub being constructed at the University of Stirling campus. Register here for insights, networking opportunities and a hearty breakfast.

Young Aquaculture Society

Excitement is building, too, for the official launch of the Young Aquaculture Society, due to take place at Salmon Scotland’s AGM in the Macdonald Conference Centre on the Tuesday.

In the extended exhibition space, first-time exhibitors include IMV Technologies, pioneers in hatchery products; Seaweed Farming Scotland, cultivators of native Scottish seaweed species; leading packaging company IIC; processing equipment giant Baader; and, from Japan, Asano Global.

Also new this year are several national and regional delegations, including the Chile Aqua & Food Tech Cluster, the Canada Pavilion, and Killybegs Marine Cluster, while the Danish Pavilion returns with an impressive display of technical expertise.

Live fish lorry

Outside the main exhibition tent, Flugga Boats is joined by companies including Migdale Transport, which is demonstrating its DAF truck and trailer, fitted with a monitored oxygen supply system, for transporting live fish.

Unique Group will display a range of unmanned surface vessels and a new network-controlled submersible, while Kerr Compressor Engineers is presenting its range of portable compressors available with fuel-efficient engines or electric drive motors.

Other exhibitors with outside displays include AKVA group, Gael Force, OTAQ, HS Marine, Brimmond, and Kito Crosby, which will be exhibiting its mooring systems.

Receptions

Visitors to the show are also invited to receptions hosted by the Canada Pavilion (Stand E58) and feed giant Cargill (‘eight till late’ at the nearby Winking Owl).

And the hotly anticipated Aquaculture Awards 2024 will be presented at a gala dinner on the Wednesday night, presided over by Scottish entertainer Fred Macaulay. A total of 13 prizes will be awarded, celebrating those projects, businesses, or individuals making an exceptional contribution to global aquaculture in the past year.

Cheri Arvonio, event director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said Aquaculture UK 2024 was gearing up to be the best yet.

“The largest aquaculture show in the UK will be even bigger this year, with more exhibitors, more meetings and conferences, more socialising and more visitors,” said Arvonio.

“With just a week to go, we’re packing our bags for the Highlands and looking forward to connecting with old friends and new faces in the world of aquaculture for two days of work and play.”