ScaleAQ sells first closed cage solution

The buyer is the Norwegian based hatchery and smolt producer Hardingsmolt.

The agreement between ScaleAQ and Hardingsmolt involves the purchase of one “Heimdall” cage, with an option for more. 

Ben Øksnes, CEO of ScaleAQ CAS, said: “We greatly appreciate that such an experienced player, with closed units, chooses our solution. We are really looking forward to a good collaboration on this.”

The first stocking will be with post-smolt in 2026, followed by food fish production in 2027. The cage will be placed in the sea at the Koløy location between Stord and Bømlo. 

ScaleAQ said the timing of the sale was extremely important for the company because the Norwegian government had recently launched its environmental flexibility scheme for fish farmers in western Norway, adding that the new regulations had increased attention to closed facilities. 

CEO Øksnes added: “Our Heimdall meets all the requirements in the regulations. It shows that we have really worked hard over the years to develop something that stands up very well.

“In addition, it has a unique modularity that allows the farmer to adapt a lot when it comes to environmental conditions or changes in requirements.”

Hardingsmolt has its roots back to 1986, while the current organisation and its owners have been involved since 2006.

The company has its hatchery production in Tørvikbygd in Kvam. Post-smolt are then released into the sea, in closed cages at the Koløy site, in the strait between Stord and Bømlo.

Development work on closed operations has been ongoing since the company was awarded a green C licence (development licence) in 2016.