Smolt was put into Cermaq's new closed containment system in Horsvågen. (Photo: Cermaq)

Cermaq starts salmon farming in closed containers

Cermaq informed it has transferred smolt into its new closed containment system in Horsvågen, which signals the first step taken by the firm towards developing closed farming technology.

Representatives of the firm explained that the system is built to provide maximum biosecurity and fish welfare. Water will be pumped into the pen from 13 metres depth, preventing sea lice from entering the pen. The tarp wall is made of strong and flexible composite, which minimizes escape risk. This is the world’s largest closed cage using flexible walls.

Cermaq pointed out that the new closed containment system has been constructed in partnership with Botngaard AS and Serge Ferrari and is certified for locations with a significant wave height of two meters, and can be used at most existing sea sites.

Illustration of Cermaq's closed containment system. (llustration: Botngaard AS/Cermaq)

“The delivery and start up of the closed cage in Horsvågen mark a milestone for Botngaard and our development program for closed cages. We will now work together with Cermaq and our industry partners to further improve the technology and daily operations of the cage”, stated Magnus Stendal, System Delivery Manager in Botngaard.

Serge Ferrari, world leader in innovative flexible materials, has developed the membrane wall that makes the containment system flexible and safe.

Cermaq's closed containment system installed in Horsvågen developed jointly with Botngaard AS. (Photo: Magnus Stendal / Botngaard / Cermaq)

“After 6 years spent on R&D on various topics such as non-toxic formulation, as little elongation as possible and excellent lifetime, Serge Ferrari has come up with a new membrane dedicated to flexible closed cages: our Biobrane Aqua 2050. This highly secure fabric gives security against fish escape, more than ever”, said Gabriel Faysse, Market Manager Environment and Energy at Serge Ferrari.

For his part, Harald Takle, R&D Manager Farming Technology in Cermaq Group commented that closed containment systems in the ocean can play an important role in the aquaculture industry in the future, but recognised that it it still requires further development.

“This is why we have applied for development licenses with the FlexiFarm concept, which takes closed containment systems a giant step further as it will include cost-effective water treatment against infections and allow harvest size production in more exposed areas”, highlighted Takle.
 

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Address:	Grev Wedels plass 5, Sentrum - P.O. Box 144
City:	Oslo
State/ZIP:	(NO-0102 )
Country:	Norway
Phone:	+47 23 685 000
Fax:	+47 23 685 099
E-Mail:	[email protected]
More about:

 

 

 

 

Print