First pool filled for Andfjord Salmon
Andfjord Salmon, which is developing a patented flow-through salmon farm in Norway, this week filled its first fish pool to the highest water level. The company says results from the technical tests are good, and now the next step is testing the laminar water flow enabled by the company’s technology.
The company said the pool was technically ready to be filled with water a few of months ago, but that it first needed to first test the pool’s functions with seawater, as well as having equipment components such as switches, sensors and water purification systems for the effluent tested.
“The test period, which was initiated several weeks ago, is a step-by-step process to obtain knowledge and understanding of how the pool and the equipment respond to seawater - both within and outside the pool. We are very pleased with the test results so far,” said chief executive Martin Rasmussen in a market update.
Maximum level
As a part of the test programme, the water level in Andfjord Salmon’s first pool was brought up to its maximum level this week. Going forward, the pool will be tested at different fill stages, with further equipment testing conducted in the coming weeks.
Testing of the laminar water flow is the next step.
Andfjord’s pools are blasted into the bedrock, and so are below sea level. According to the company, the flow-through system with laminar water flow reduces energy consumption and associated costs significantly as there is no need to lift, filter or heat the seawater, which is clean and a perfect temperature as it is sourced directly from the Gulf Stream that enters Andfjorden, which is adjacent to Andfjord Salmon’s facility. In addition, the water intake is at a depth where lice and algae are not found.
1,000-plus tonnes
The pool, which is 20 metres deep, will hold more than 1,000 tonnes of salmon. Andfjord plans to release smolt in the second quarter next year.
The ongoing test phase is also part of the preparations for a forthcoming expansion of additional fish farming pools at the company’s Kvalnes site on the island of Andøya on the Arctic Archipelago of Vesterålen.
The company holds a licence to produce 12,600 gutted weight tonnes of Atlantic salmon and has secured rights to land for a planned expansion of an additional 77,400 gwt production capacity. That expansion is subject to the zoning of the land and granting of licences.
