Icelandic salmon farming company Arnarlax has signed a declaration of intent with Vesturbyggð officials to build a high-tech processing facility in Patreksfjörður.
It is estimated that the new 10,000-square metre processing plant will have a capacity of 80,000 tonnes and will employ around 100 people.
Arnarlax advised in a press release that it is not yet known when construction will get underway. Its next steps are to conclude agreements, draw up a new zoning plan for the area, and prepare for construction by demolition, relocation of existing operations and the development of further infrastructure in the area.
It will also look at how its current infrastructure in Bíldudalur will be used.
According to the letter of intent, it is planned that a large ship quay will be built at Patrekshöfn, and a waiting dock will be set up at the harbour. Additionally, a long-term agreement will be made on payments to the municipality in the form of catch fees.
The letter of intent also stipulates that an agreement will be reached on the settlement and payment of outstanding claims for catch fees, which have been pending before the Westfjords District Court recently.
Arnarlax CEO, Björn Hembre, said that he was “very pleased with this landmark agreement” with Vesturbyggð.
“This is the first step of many, but the declaration of intent allows us to start formal permit applications and design and preparation work for the construction of a high-tech processing house in Patreksfjörður, which will create many valuable jobs. The investment will also strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and strengthen the position of aquaculture in the Westfjords for the future,” he said.
Vesturbyggð Mayor, Rebekka Hilmarsdóttir, commented, “Aquaculture is the largest industry in the region, and it is important that there is now a future vision on both sides for the continued development of aquaculture and related activities in Vesturbyggð.”
