Second FishGlobe planned after success with smolts

The first 3.5K globe was commissioned in 2019 and has been operated by FishGlobe sister company Ryfish AS in collaboration with Grieg Rogaland.

The globe has had three complete stockings of smolts which were grown from 180 grams to 800 grams before being moved into net pens. Another two stockings are planned at a different site.

Double barrier

FishGlobe sales and projects director Tor Magne Madsen told Norsk Fiskeoppdrett magazine that what distinguishes FishGlobe from in-water semi-closed and tarpaulin solutions is that it is composed of “hollow PE panels” which means that the entire globe has a double barrier separating the fish from the outside.

“The farmer recognises the technology from smolt facilities on land and there is known technology from land that has been put on the sea. With the unique water flow of 2-3 replacements per hour, we have an optimal flow and good circulation that provides good welfare and growth conditions,” said Madsen.

Madsen said that when the operator was due to deliver fish, they could add more air into the FishGlobe so it would float higher in the water, allowing more level and gentle transfer into a wellboat.

25% better growth

He added that the first three stocking have produced good results.

“We have produced fish of 5 kilos in that the fish have been in the globe from 180 grams to 800 grams, then transferred to the open sea for 10 months (5 kilos).”

In the first stocking, fish from the same group that were grown in a recirculating aquaculture system on land before transfer to pens in the same locality had only reached about 4 kilos, which means that the globe fish has saved two months and had 25% better growth.

“Generation 2 and generation 3 do not show quite as good a growth curve but follow the same trend. Here we do not have reference fish we can compare with. During this period, we have spent nothing on lice treatment, and the statistics show the same trend that Lerøy has presented in its Preline (floating semi-closed containment) study, namely better growth and less need for treatment.”

Bigger globes coming

FishGlobe is talking with several customers both in Norway and internationally about the sale of its next 3.5K model.

“We have used the last year to go wide with the product,” said Madsen.

A 10K model is the next in the series for the company and is already completely designed. FishGlobe is looking for someone who will try this out in collaboration. Madsen says several larger players see 10K as a better case than 3.5K due to price versus size.

Grow-out model

A 30K model is envisaged for a grow-out globe, for which FishGlobe has two development permits, equivalent to 15,600 tonnes of biomass. The company will begin detailed engineering design on this in the summer.

“We are investing in the construction of this in mid-2022,” Madsen said.

“One thing is for sure, we applaud all innovation in the future and see that if we as an industry are to achieve our goals for growth, we must dare to think new. We believe that globes (closed farming in the sea) have their place together with farming on land, farming at sea and traditional cages – and not instead of those.”