The Stiim Aqua Cluster delegation that visited the Faroes last year.

Suppliers seek new markets overseas as Norway salmon tax looms

Delegation will show off latest aquaculture technology in Iceland

Editorial team
Published

A group of aquaculture equipment suppliers from Norway will visit Iceland in search of new customers next week as they seek, among other things, to offset a potential drop in domestic demand caused by Oslo’s proposed 40% salmon tax.

The eight companies are members of the Stiim Aqua Cluster, which is leading the delegation. Company representatives will meet with staff from seven Icelandic fish farming companies and representatives from Icelandic authorities and aquaculture clusters. They will also visit land-based fish farms, and there will also be a reception for Icelandic and Norwegian companies at the Norwegian embassy in Reykjavik.

Fish farmers in Iceland produced a total of more than 46,000 tonnes of salmon last year, up by 35% from 2021, making it an increasingly attractive market for suppliers.

Ground rent tax

Stiim said the new controversial “ground rent” salmon tax which has been proposed by the Norwegian government is another reason why Norwegian aquaculture technology companies are now looking into international markets to a greater extent than before. There has not yet been a parliamentary vote on the salmon tax issue, and it is not known when the vote will be.

Next week’s trip, from March 20-23, is the second export trip arranged by the technology-focused Stiim Aqua Cluster, one of 33 innovation clusters established under a state-funded programme. Last year, five members of the cluster visited the Faroe Islands to show their technology to fish farmers there.

Stiim has more than 180 members in five categories - research and education, established companies, public authorities, entrepreneurs and investors – and is headquartered in Stavanger. It is managed by experienced executive Trine Danielsen, a former director of salmon farmer SalMar, who also spent time as state secretary in Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

Companies on next week’s trip include offshore fish farms expert Aker Solutions, and in-sea closed fish farming innovators FishGlobe and Fiizk, which also offers digital solutions, water purification and desalination.

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