Feed producer expands marine hatchery trial facility
Danish aquafeed producer BioMar Group has announced the expansion of the marine hatchery trial facilities at its Aquaculture Technology Centre (ATC) in Hirtshals, Denmark. The investment will allow for an expansion into a new, larger facility with the capability of performing trials in semi-industrial conditions.
BioMar said the investment follows the continued success of its LARVIVA hatchery feeds across the main hatchery markets, together with the two capacity expansions at its production facility in France to cover the market demand.
Henrik Aarestrup, BioMar’s vice president for Latin America, shrimp, and hatchery, said: “We believe that this investment will unlock potential for growth in new markets and new species. This will bring innovations, further solidifying our position as a leading provider of premium-quality hatchery feeds.
“The expansion of the ATC Hirtshals facility aligns with BioMar’s strategic plan for the hatchery segment, which is a key pillar for the development of marine fish and shrimp feeds.”
Highly specialised market
The hatchery trial facilities will serve as a hub for research and development activities, with the addition of six multinational R&D staff to the team of experts in marine hatchery operations. It will include units dedicated to larval rearing as well as live feed production, allowing for extensive research and testing of hatchery feeds for several marine species.
BioMar’s global R&D director Simon Wadsworth said: “We are commissioning advanced larval research facilities, to ensure the continued high performance of LARVIVA, as well as developing further products for this highly specialised global market.
“The core research team has also been strengthened by leading larval rearing expertise from the Mediterranean region. The new facility will significantly strengthen our research capacity in this dynamic segment.”
The inauguration of the expanded ATC Hirtshals facility is expected to take place in September.
