A picture of progress: phase 2 of Salmon Evolution facility begins to take shape
The expansion will increase the facility's production capacity to 18,000 tonnes of fish per year and enable the fish farmer to harvest every week of the year.
Published
Phase 2 of the development of Salmon Evolution's land-based salmon facility on the island of Indre Harøy, north of Alesund in Norway, is well under way, says contractor Artec Aqua.
According to the company, the pace of the development is still high, and now that prefabricated concrete elements are being craned into place, the progress is clearly visible. Less conspicuous, but equally important, is the laying of pipes that is ongoing underground.
In an update, Artec Aqua said it continues its close collaboration with HENT, which is responsible for the construction contract, while the company itself handles the process contract.
Construction manager Martin Vere is highlighted as a key person, ensuring good coordination between Artec Aqua's subcontractors and HENT to keep the progress on track.
The weather has so far been favourable this winter, which Artec Aqua said has made the work more efficient and less affected by winter conditions.
The plan is for the entire phase 2 to be completed during 2026.
No major differences
Artec Aqua carried out the design, construction, and commissioning of Salmon Evolution's phase 1 at Indre Harøy.
Salmon Evolution chief executive Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen has previously said that phase 2 of the project is an improved copy of phase 1.
"Conceptually, there are no major changes, but minor changes based on the experiences we have gained in phase 1. The biggest difference in phase 2 is that we are also planning for a post-smolt section with slightly smaller tanks, which allows us to get even more production out of the facility. "
More than double
Phase 1 has 12 tanks that provide the capacity to produce 8,000 tonnes of salmon per year. The construction of phase 2 will increase the production capacity to 18,000 tonnes per year and will give the aquaculture company the opportunity to harvest fish every week when it is completed.
The total project cost for the development in phase 2, including construction work and the process plant, is estimated to be NOK 1.6 - 1.7 billion (£115 - £122 million). The processing plant constitutes a significant part of the total project cost.
