Norway’s MMC First Process has secured a contract with Samherji Fiskeldi for the delivery of a complete fish logistics system to new land-based aquaculture facility Eldisgarður (Salmon Garden), currently under construction in Reykjanes.
Once fully developed, Eldisgarður will have an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of salmon. It is expected to be operational during the first-half of 2027.
“We have chosen MMC First Process as our system supplier. They offer unique expertise and technology that support our ambitions for fish welfare during both handling and fish logistics. They have been entrusted with full system responsibility and are a key contributor to the fish logistics solutions. This has been crucial for us,” Samherji Fiskeldi CEO Jón Kjartan Jónsson said.
MMC First Process Sales Manager for Land-based Aquaculture Børre Haanes Waagan remarked: “This project clearly signals that the industry is moving towards more sustainable and technologically advanced production methods. We are proud to contribute with our expertise and solutions to such a forward-looking facility.”
The contract includes a range of proprietary products and solutions, such as automation, sorting machines, fish pumps, and systems for full-water transport of live fish. In addition, MMC First Process will supply its own components that connect the fish-conveying pipes throughout the facility. It also includes equipment from MMC First Process’ subcontractors, integrated into the complete architectural solution.
The delivery includes, among other things, three AQU Gentle Pumps, with Waagan commenting that this pump technology was chosen because it is outstanding in terms of fish welfare.
Samherji Fiskeldi has already tested and used this new type of fish pump at its land-based aquaculture facility in Öxarfjörður, north of Akureyri in Iceland. According to Waagan, the technology has proven to elevate fish welfare during handling to a new level.
“We have used a pilot version of the pump for an extended period, and together with MMC First Process, we have documented that this pumping technology provides the best fish welfare we have experienced so far when handling live fish,” Jónsson added.
