SeafoodSource is closely following seafood processing and equipment innovation by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.
- Bellingham, Washington, U.S.A.-based seafood company Northline Seafoods has completed the Hannah, a state-of-the-art floating processor, in time for the beginning of Bristol Bay's 2024 salmon fishing season.
The vessel departed from Bellingham’s Fairhaven Shipyard on 25 May, marking the conclusion of more than three years of work, including 15 months of construction.
The Hannah, a 400-foot by 100-foot barge, serves as a vertically integrated, all-in-one solution for buying, freezing, shipping, storing, and distributing wild Alaskan salmon. This innovative supply chain system enhances quality, boosts efficiency, and preserves the value of wild salmon at the source, according to Northline Seafoods CEO Ben Blakey. The vessel's ultra-low-temperature refrigeration system introduces a new production model for Alaskan salmon, quickly freezing whole, round fish to maintain optimal freshness and quality.
- Baring Group and Optiras AS are teaming up to build a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) Atlantic salmon farm.
When fully developed, the facility will have a production capacity of 24,000 metric tons. Baring said its total investment is expected to total around NOK 4 billion (USD 381 million, EUR 351 million) and the facility will employ approximately 100 people.
Baring obtained a license in 2022 to build a 24,000-metric-ton land-based facility for post-smolt and harvest-ready fish in Farsund, which is in the far south of Norway. Optiras's echnology will ensure stable water quality throughout the production cycle and reduces energy consumption by more than 50 percent compared to current solutions, the company said in a LinkedIn release.
"We at Optiras AS are thrilled to announce our first commercial contract with Baring Farsund AS for land-based aquaculture in Southern Norway. This agreement represents a significant milestone for all of us at Optiras AS, Searas AS, and Leirvik AS," Optiras COO Mia Guttorom Moseng wrote on LinkedIn.
- Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), a premier investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority in the nation's fisheries sector, announced the commissioning of the ADAMAS to the fleet of its subsidiary, Oman Pelagic. The new vessel showcases FDO's commitment to sustainable fishing practices and the economic growth of Oman's fisheries sector.
"The ADAMAS embodies our commitment to sustainable fishing practices and showcases our dedication to maintaining the highest-quality standards in the industry," Fisheries Development Oman Chairman Muneer Ali Al-Muniri said in a release. "This vessel represents not just an investment but a profound step forward in our commitment to enhancing Oman's fishing industry and maritime legacy in line with Oman Vision 2040.”
The ADAMAS, a state-of-the-art fishing vessel, was constructed in 2024 in Pasaia, Spain, and was commissioned by Oman Pelagic.
“With this investment, we reinforce Oman's position as an attractive destination for local and international investors seeking growth opportunities in the aquaculture sector,” Al-Muniri said. "The vessel is designed to operate efficiently, maximizing catch potential while minimizing environmental impact. This aligns perfectly with FDO's core values, focusing on the responsible use of renewable resources such as biomass and small pelagic fish and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry in Oman."
- Dyrvik, Trøndelag, Norway-based shipping company Eidsvaag has announced the construction of two new feed vessels set for delivery to feed suppliers Skretting and Cargill in 2026.
The vessels will feature a diesel-electric propulsion system with a large battery pack and engines capable of running exclusively on biodiesel, Eidsvaag said in a LinkedIn release.
“The vessels will join the Fjordfrende collaboration, established in 2019, where competitors Skretting and Cargill work together on fish feed delivery. This partnership involves 14 vessels operated by Eidsvaag, optimizing transport routes to reduce CO2 emissions significantly by avoiding redundant trips into the same fjords,” Eidsvaag said.
- A renovation and modernization project on the Ship Supply Building at Fishermen’s Terminal at the Port of Seattle in the U.S. state of Washington began on 21 May. The construction is the beginning of its transformation into a Living Building Challenge-certified Maritime Innovation Center (MInC).
The facility will focus on maritime industry needs by joining together students, business innovators, public agencies, academia personnel, and community stakeholders, according to the Port of Seattle. The port has collaborated with architectural firm Miller Hull to construct the unique architectural landmark.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a celebration of the port’s substantial commitment to support innovation as a way to foster the maritime industry’s ability to sustain our region’s blue economy,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman said in a release. “The transformation of the Port’s oldest asset into one that can meet the Living Building Challenge symbolizes the port’s recognition of the maritime industry’s significance to our region’s history and future.”
- Kyleakin, Scotland-based salmon-farming company Vónin Scotland is constructing a new eco-friendly aquaculture service station in Kyleakin. The facility will provide maintenance for fish-farming equipment, including washing, repairing, antifouling, coating, and drying of nets. It will also service lice skirts with large washing drums capable of handling nets up to 200 meters, the company said in a release.
“The idea for the Kyleakin aquaculture service station was introduced two years ago, and after a meticulous process of obtaining the necessary permissions, construction has now begun,” the company said. “The facility is expected to be operational next year, significantly enhancing service capabilities and supporting the industry’s growth through more efficient and sustainable operations. Moreover, the Kyleakin service station will bolster the local economy by creating approximately 15 jobs, fostering community growth and development.”
The company will use green energy for heating and feature enhanced insulation to reduce its energy footprint. The station will convert organic waste into energy and recycle all possible materials.
- Land-based salmon aquaculture company Atlantic Sapphire is joining the Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL) SolarTogether Program as a part of its goal to offset 45 percent of its total energy consumption with solar power.
Atlantic Sapphire operates a land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) Atlantic salmon farm in Miami, and recently announced it had its request for reapproval of a USD 250 million (EUR 230 million) bond approved by local officials in Florida.
“Our company is committed to working with FPL to reduce carbon emissions derived from energy consumption from its operations,” Atlantic Sapphire CEO Johan Andreassen said in a release. “We believe that the best way to place aquaculture at the forefront is by reaching efficiencies at every level.”
- London, England-based water treatment specialist BIO-UV Group announced it is playing a key role in the U.K.'s growing aquaculture sector, supported by its Scotland-based subsidiary: Triogen.
Triogen brings more than 35 years of expertise in ultraviolet (UV) and ozone water treatment solutions to the initiative.
“We continue to deliver to operators in the U.K. aquaculture sector and contribute significantly to the health and well-being of fish and humans alike,” Triogen Managing Director Simon Marshall.
- Pune, India-based Garware Technical Fibres launched Renew Ropes, which are ropes made from recycled materials to reduce carbon footprints by 50 percent.
The ropes offer durability, density, weight, and resistance to traction, fatigue, and abrasion and are available in three and eight strands, the company said in a release.
“The introduction of 100 percent recycled [rope] shows our commitment to the Clean Production Agreement (CPA), circularity, and the reduction of plastic waste, contributing to sustainability throughout the life cycle of products,” Garware Chile Business Associate Marcos Jofré said. “In addition, it has exhaustive quality control of its raw materials so that it meets the required quality.”
- New York City, New York, U.S.A.-based food distribution technology company Pepper has announced a partnership with CAI Software, a provider of integrated software and technology solutions. The collaboration will work on payment enhancement, online ordering, and tracking capabilities for food producers and distributors.
The partnership will integrate Pepper's e-commerce platform with CAI's Food Connex and Seasoft ERP platforms. This partnership will create easier interactions between systems, providing deeper visibility into data across critical operational areas.
“The seamless integration of CAI’s ERP solutions with our platform is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions. We are excited about the ongoing collaboration, as it opens up myriad opportunities for CAI customers to maximize the benefits of Pepper’s offerings and vice versa,” Pepper CEO and Founder Bowie Cheung said in a release.
By combining order entry and payment processes, the partnership enables customers of both companies to optimize their business operations.
Pepper also recently raised USD 30 million (EUR 27.6 million) in its Series B funding round. This investment was led by ICONIQ Growth, as well as existing partners Index Ventures, Greylock, Imaginary, and Harmony Partners.
