Concrete plans

“Smøla klekkeri og settefisk” is set to be the first producer to trial the concrete cage, which has been developed by Fish Farming Innovation and collaborators and includes pumping systems, oxygen systems and special recycling systems.

“The cage is reliable because all the components are doubled up, in case something should fail,” Per Helge Pedersen, of Fish Farming Innovation, told kyst.no.

The cage, called Salmon Home No 1, has been developed with post-smolt production in mind.

“As I see it, we have developed the best system to engage in the production of post-smolts in closed cages at sea. The size, efficiency and price will be favourable compared to the alternatives,” Pedersen explains.

“This pilot tank is 1,000 m³, but the goal is to make tanks from 3000 - 5000 m³,” he adds.

Construction

The cage is made of a double ring of cast concrete walls, with steel support and the space between these is filled with polystyrene, while the bottom is also made of concrete.

“The broad structure gives the operator a good 80cm walkway, which in turn improves safety,” Pedersen explains. "Weighing in at 250 tonnes, the cage is very stable at sea."

“The thick and robust cage wall makes it impossible for the fish to escape, while the water for the cage is sourced from a depth of 10m, below the ‘sea lice belt’,” Pedersen continues.

Diversification

Pedersen has high hopes for the design.

“Production of concrete closed cages of this type could be a very good business for us – if the fish thrive we’ll be ready to produce them on an industrial basis, we’ll be writing history,” he explains.

“In total, we have invested about NOK 20 million in developing the concept and it will be competitive in price, strong, and long-lasting – even in tough conditions,” Pedersen continues.

The first model will be launched at Averøy on 14th June.

“It will be a great event and we are very excited,” he concludes.