AC700R feed barge delivered to Lovundlaks – the same model now bound for Arctic Fish in Iceland. Photo: AKVA group

AKVA Group Bolsters Iceland’s Aquaculture with Delivery of Robust, Hybrid Feed Barge

ICELAND
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Arctic Fish Secures Cutting-Edge AC700R to Enhance Sustainable Salmon Operations on West Coast

AKVA group, a global leader in aquaculture technology, has secured a significant deal with Icelandic salmon farmer Arctic Fish for the delivery of a new, state-of-the-art AC700R feed barge. This delivery, scheduled for the end of July 2026 and transport to Iceland’s west coast in mid-September of that year, underscores the growing presence of modern aquaculture technology in the North Atlantic nation.

At Aqua-Ice: Stian Paulsen, Commercial Director Sea Based at AKVA group; Daniel Jakobsson, CEO at Arctic Fish; Egill Olafsson, Operational Manager at Arctic Fish; Benedikt Ernir Stefánsson, Sales and Procurement Manager at Egersund Island / AKVA group; and John Gunnar Grindskar, COO Farming at Arctic Fish. Photo: AKVA group.

A Hybrid Barge Built for Exposed Conditions

The AC700R model, chosen by Arctic Fish, is specifically designed for robustness and reliability in exposed environments. It boasts a substantial capacity of 700 tonnes of feed across 12 silos.

• Key Features: The barge measures 36 x 12 meters and is equipped with a powerful feeding system of 8 lines with 30 kW blowers.

• Power and Sustainability: The barge utilizes a hybrid power supply, combining generators (two 300 kVA generators) with a battery system. This setup ensures operational reliability and energy efficiency while being shore power ready, aligning with global trends toward sustainable energy use in aquaculture.

• Safety and Control: The vessel includes a 65 m³ silage system, a fire suppression system, and watertight door sensors integrated with AKVA group’s latest AKVA connect software. This software provides Arctic Fish with precise control and a full overview of both feeding operations and barge functions.

Alf Kåre Ulfsnes, Project Manager at AKVA group, commented that the new barge will provide Arctic Fish with "a modern and reliable feeding platform that strengthens their operations on the west coast of Iceland."

Iceland: A Rapidly Developing Aquaculture Hub

This sale marks another key milestone in AKVA group’s commitment to the Icelandic market. Earlier this autumn, the company delivered an AC600VR feed barge to Kaldvik on Iceland’s east coast.

Stian Paulsen, Commercial Director Sea Based at AKVA group, emphasized the rapid growth of the sector: "Salmon production in Iceland has developed rapidly in recent years."

The Icelandic aquaculture industry has seen explosive growth, primarily centered on farming Atlantic salmon in large open-net pens in the Westfjords. According to recent reports, salmon output in Iceland is projected to continue its strong upward trend, potentially reaching over 50,000 tonnes by 2026. This rapid expansion is driving high demand for advanced, exposed-site equipment like the AC700R, crucial for maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact in the country's challenging coastal waters. The focus on hybrid and shore power capabilities also reflects the country's broader commitment to utilizing its vast renewable energy resources (hydroelectric and geothermal) to power its industries.

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