Utror enters into a cooperation agreement with Aibel on the realization of offshore aquaculture

Photo: Hans Petter Sørensen / www.faroutfocus.no.

Aibel and Utror have entered into a framework agreement for the development and implementation of offshore aquaculture, initially through a feasibility study. The companies see great potential in utilizing each other's expertise to establish offshore salmon farming.

The framework agreement means that Aibel will provide its expertise in complex offshore installations and study work to ensure the realization of Utror's plans for the development of offshore aquaculture. The agreement is an important milestone in Aibel's strategic focus on new markets.

- At Aibel, we were early adopters of our experience and expertise from oil and gas into the offshore wind industry. Part of our strategy is still to look towards several new markets where we can apply our cutting-edge expertise. Among these are hydrogen, carbon capture, biofuels and, in other words, offshore aquaculture. This is an area with great potential and Utror is an exciting and visionary partner with a solid background from traditional farming and exposed aquaculture, says Executive Vice President for Business Development at Aibel, Erlend Mjanger.  

Utror originates from Lovundlaks in Helgeland, one of the pioneers in the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Now the ambition is to increase production by taking the salmon out to sea. This gives the opportunity to start with a clean slate in new sea areas, and build up production with enhanced biosecurity from day one. This, combined with an optimal growing environment for salmon, forms a good basis for good fish welfare.

- With future generations in mind, Lovundlaks will be an important contributor to a healthy and vibrant coastal community. Through our focus on offshore aquaculture, we will position the Helgeland coast so that the ripple effects of the future aquaculture industry can be maximized for our region. The agreement with Aibel marks an important step in this regard, says CEO of Lovundlaks, Jacob Palmer Meland.

- In Norway, we are world leaders in salmon farming and in offshore operations in demanding waters. If we can combine this experience when we are now going to develop the areas that are most suitable for salmon farming on the Norwegian continental shelf, we have great potential to increase salmon production significantly and at the same time create a completely new industry with many jobs and major ripple effects, adds CEO of Utror, ​​Olav-Andreas Ervik.

Aibel's work will mainly consist of the design of a pilot plant with large floating steel structures of up to several thousand tons. This work will be carried out from Aibel's Oslo office. Furthermore, the agreement may lead to a contract for detailed engineering and construction of the pilot plant. Further progress in the collaboration requires progress in the authorities' ongoing work on the regulatory framework for offshore aquaculture.