Ode to establish world's first commercial deep-sea cod farming operation

Ode is establishing the world's first commercial deep-water cod farming facility using submersible pens at a site near Alida in Norway during the second and third quarters of 2025.

"This investment is part of Ode’s broader strategy for innovation and development, aiming to optimise production and product quality through a fully integrated value chain," said the company.

"Cod is a natural deep-water species that thrives below the surface in cold, stable waters. By lowering the pens, Ode can offer improved environmental conditions, better fish welfare, and consistent growth and quality throughout the year."

Ode said experience from both salmon farming and earlier cod trials using submersible pens has shown highly positive results. The technology reportedly offers key advantages by allowing better control of light exposure, temperature, and water quality.

“We combine biological insight with new technology to provide cod with the best possible conditions for growth," said Ola Kvalheim, CEO of Ode.

"Submersible pens are a natural next step to enhance fish welfare, sustainability, and product quality. If we meet our performance targets this year, we will roll out the solution at additional sites suitable for this technology. This could also reshape which sites and areas are considered optimal for cod farming.”

The submersible systems were customised for deeper operations than standard solutions and will benefit from the favourable currents at the Alida site.