Norwegian feed system producer wins Kingfish contract

The producer, which grows yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) on the Kats peninsula in the south of the Netherlands, is increasing capacity at the site from 1,250 tonnes to 2,750 tonnes annually as part of a phased expansion to 5,000 tonnes.

“We chose Laksesystemer because of their focus on biology and their willingness to adjust to client demand,” said Kingfish production manager Bram Rohaan in a press release.

“We share a focus on delicate feed transport and on distributing the feed evenly to our fish. Precision feeding tools that increase utilisation of resources can add to both financial and environmental sustainability, making land-based ongrowing projects even more viable in the long run.”

Perfect fit

Laksesystemer general manager Ole Gabriel Kverneland said: “We are really excited about winning this contract.

“This project fits perfectly with our strategy of staying close to the front runners in the industry. We have focused on cooperating with customers that move the industry forward and that we believe will be successful in the long run.

“In this respect, Kingfish Zeeland is a perfect partner for us. Not many companies have the same level of knowledge and experience with bringing fish to harvest size in modern land-based RAS farms. This is exactly the market segment for which we have developed the technology that we believe has the potential to solve some of the major bottlenecks in the industry.”

Surpised by demand

Kverneland said Laksesystemer had no plans of entering the export market this year, but a dramatic fall in the value of the Norwegian krone, along with success with some new products, prompted the company fast-forward plans for the export market. High quality products made in Norway had quickly gained competitive advantage through the favourable currency situation

“We are rather surprised by the number of requests we are receiving from all over the world, ” said Kverneland.

“We do not quite know how so many have noticed our small, Norwegian company. Apparently, the need for technology tailor made for modern land-based aquaculture is more of an international phenomenon than we anticipated.”

US plans

Kingfish Zeeland is part of The Kingfish Company, which is also planning a 6,000-8,000 tonnes-per-year yellowtail RAS facility in Jonesport, Maine in the United States.

Earlier this month it announced its intention to aim for an initial public offering on the Merkur Market, one of three Norwegian share markets run by the Oslo Stock Exchange.