MMC and Samherji teams. Photo: MMC

MMC First Process to Deliver Advanced Fish Welfare System for Samherji Fiskeldi's Icelandic 'Salmon Garden'

ICELAND
Friday, July 11, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Samherji Fiskeldi has tapped MMC First Process to supply a state-of-the-art fish logistics system for its new 36,000-tonne land-based salmon farm in Iceland. This partnership emphasizes fish welfare and sustainable production, aiming for operations by mid-2027.

REYKJANES – MMC First Process has secured a significant contract with Samherji Fiskeldi to deliver a comprehensive fish logistics system for Eldisgarður, Samherji Fiskeldi’s flagship land-based salmon aquaculture facility currently under construction in Reykjanes, south of Reykjavik. Once fully developed, this facility will boast an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of salmon, marking a pivotal moment for next-generation land-based salmon farming in Iceland.

MMC FIRST PROCESS AQU Gentle Pump is an innovative spiral pumping system. This sustainable pumping system is specially designed for gentle pumping of seafood in chilled water. During pumping the seafood is not in contact with any exterior environment except chilled water. Chilled water is a decisive factor in preservation of premium seafood quality.

"We chose MMC First Process as our system supplier because they offer unique expertise and technology that supports our ambitions for fish welfare during both handling and fish logistics," stated Jón Kjartan Jónsson, CEO of Samherji Fiskeldi. He added that entrusting MMC First Process with full system responsibility and their key contribution to fish logistics solutions was crucial for Samherji Fiskeldi.

Focus on Fish Welfare and Advanced Technology

The delivery from MMC First Process will include a complete fish logistics system featuring proprietary products and solutions such as automation, sorting machines, fish pumps, and systems for full-water transport of live fish. Critically, it will incorporate three AQU Gentle Pumps, specifically chosen for their superior performance in ensuring fish welfare during handling.

"This pump technology was chosen because it is outstanding in terms of fish welfare," confirmed Børre Haanes Waagan, Sales Manager for Land-based Aquaculture at MMC First Process. Samherji Fiskeldi has already successfully piloted this new pump at its Öxarfjörður facility in northern Iceland. "We have used a pilot version of the pump for an extended period, and together with MMC First Process, we have documented that this pumping technology provides the best fish welfare we have experienced so far when handling live fish," Jón Kjartan Jónsson reiterated.

This project underscores the industry's shift towards more sustainable and technologically advanced production methods, a sentiment echoed by Waagan, who expressed pride in contributing to such a forward-looking facility.

Collaboration and Future Outlook

The collaboration between the two companies spans several years, leading to this extensive agreement. "We are very pleased to have been chosen as the system supplier with such extensive responsibility, where fish welfare is the core," said Frank Edvard Vike, CSO - Handling of MMC First Process, adding gratitude for the trust placed in them and anticipating continued cooperation towards the target operational date in the first half of 2027.

The Eldisgarður project is a cornerstone of an initiative focused on more sustainable food production, aiming to reduce environmental impact and ensure high traceability across the entire value chain. Samherji Fiskeldi, with over 20 years of experience in land-based aquaculture, covers the full value chain from hatching to processing and sales. MMC First Process, with 40 years of experience, provides complete and sustainable systems for seafood handling and processing globally, striving to enable customers to operate more sustainably.

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