Norwegian companies form offshore aquaculture partnership

Norwegian offshore fishing specialist Aker has entered into a strategic partnership with local firm SalMar to establish a global offshore aquaculture company.

The new joint company, SalMar Aker Ocean, will operate within offshore fish farming, including offshore and semi-offshore, with the goals of complying to the highest requirements for fish welfare and ensuring reduced emissions.

SalMar and Aker, through its wholly owned subsidiary Aker Capital, will eventually own 66.6 per cent and 33.4 per cent, respectively, of the joint company.

Aker said it will continue ongoing work within testing, learning, researching, and developing offshore farming operations, including through the world’s first operating offshore fish farm, Ocean Farm 1 (pictured).

The parties will immediately initiate a project to develop a next-generation semi offshore unit, with an aim at reaching an investment decision for a new production unit as soon as possible.

The establishment of the joint company is subject to customary closing conditions, with closing expected in the first quarter of 2022.