Bakkafrost: Driving forward sustainability
Bakkafrost Scotland is leading with sector firsts and smart innovation
Bakkafrost Scotland has an ambition to become the UK’s most sustainable salmon producer, and in the last year has pioneered sector-first technologies and circular economy solutions that are transforming aquaculture operations.
Every element of its operations is viewed through a sustainability lens thanks to the company’s Healthy Living Plan, a transformation strategy built around the five pillars of business, people, salmon, environment and community.
Sustainability Built In: Applecross RAS Leads the Way
The Applecross RAS facility is one of the company’s flagship sustainability projects with significant investment in carbon reduction.
A 26km private wire was installed across the Bealach na Bà – one of the most iconic and remote passes in Scotland – connecting Applecross directly to a hydro scheme which will supply locally sourced green energy to the site. In addition, solar PV panels will provide 25% of power needs and a saltwater heat exchanger will reduce heat pump energy usage.
In 2024, Bakkafrost Scotland became the first company to receive a Waste Management Licence from SEPA for its Applecross pyrolysis system. The technology transforms sludge into biochar for use as fertiliser for local forestry projects. It also recycles heat to enhance energy efficiency, representing a scalable solution for reducing waste and carbon emissions.
AI Feeding: Smarter, Greener, Better
After a successful trial project, a centralised AI feeding system has now gone live at all of the company’s sites. Bakkafrost Scotland was the first producer to roll out this system, working to tailor the technology for individual sites.
It uses rotating feed dispensers synchronised to underwater cameras and AI trackers to collect data, enabling specialist feed technologists to closely monitor the behaviour of the salmon and optimise feeding, as well as reducing feed waste. Fish welfare continues to improve, and seabed surveys have also shown positive impacts.
Circular Economy: Waste Becomes Value
Bakkafrost Scotland is also delivering on its unwavering commitment to sustainability through its ensiler programme, now installed at all sites as well as on some of its boat fleet – another sector first. The system creates a circular solution for waste from farms, including mortalities, converting it into valuable feedstocks for the biodiesel and agricultural industries.
The process eliminates storage and odour issues as well as significantly reducing HGV traffic. It is estimated that 85-90% of the oil obtained from the salmon can be converted into biodiesel. The remaining hydrolysed protein can be used as a soil improver.
What was previously a waste product, is now being converted into valuable byproducts creating a new revenue stream and embracing circular economy principles.
Hybrid Fleet: Cleaner Transport, Lower Emissions
The company has also invested in its vessel and vehicle fleets adding two new hybrid barges in the last year. Bakkafrost Scotland now operates three hybrid barges plus two hybrid wellboats with more planned in the future. The hybrid technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional fuel powered barges.
There are also new electric vehicles with three EV minibuses being used for more environmentally efficient transportation of colleagues between sites.
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