The finalists of the Aqua Nor Innovation Award 2013 have been announced – and due to the number of exceptional projects this year, there are four finalists instead of the usual three, selected from 19 applicants.
The jury commented that several of the applicants have submitted projects that focus on fighting salmon lice, preferably without the use of chemicals. There is also increased focus on safeguarding against escapes from farming installations. Both of these issues are central challenges to the fish farming industry as well as the equipment and technology industries.
This year’s finalists:
Beck Engineering AS from Oslo has developed a system using cameras, software programmes and laser which remove salmon lice gently from the salmon in the cages. The system can also be used to count the number of lice in the installation.
Aqualine AS in Trondheim presents a newly developed cage system, ‘Aqualine Midgard System’, which is significantly more effective against escapes, and which has made great strides in improving health, environment and safety conditions in the installations. The system also allows operations in exposed localities with tough weather conditions.
Marel HF from Nørresundby in Denmark has developed a packaging line that automatically cuts identical weight portions, and a robot that inserts the portions in the packaging material. This system will reduce operational costs by 20% compared to a manual operation.
Trust Fish Ingenieria from Puerto Varas in Chile has developed an environmentally important system that handles dead fish in nurseries. The fish is minced and ensilaged in a tank before being dried with the help of radio frequencies. The weight is reduced by 80% and the final product can be used as a source of protein or as fertiliser.
The winner of the Award will receive NOK100,000, a diploma and a work of art. The winner will be announced on the opening day, 13 August 2013.
