Aker QRILL Company, the newly spun-off entity from Aker BioMarine, has officially commenced operations, focusing on krill harvesting and the production of marine ingredients for aquaculture, animal feed, and nutraceutical industries.
The company is now jointly owned by American Industrial Partners (AIP) and Aker Capital, marking the start of an independent phase for the business.
The firm, headquartered in Fornebu, Norway, continues to build on its previous operations under Aker BioMarine, leveraging its established QRILL Aqua and QRILL Pet brands. Its core activities involve harvesting Antarctic krill and supplying marine ingredients aimed at enhancing animal health and growth. The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, which it describes as central to its value chain, extending from harvesting operations in Antarctic waters to a logistics hub in Montevideo and on to global customers.
Webjørn Barstad, CEO of Aker QRILL Company, stated that the company will focus on maintaining “high quality standards” and meeting the “growing demand for sustainable marine ingredients.” He highlighted the company’s experience in krill harvesting and its research capabilities as key assets in pursuing these goals.
Jeff Birenbaum, Partner at AIP, said the private equity firm’s investment supports the company’s plans to expand its position in the market for advanced marine ingredients. Øyvind Eriksen, President and CEO of Aker ASA, described the spin-off as a strategic addition to Aker’s portfolio, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with AIP in driving growth and innovation.
The launch of Aker QRILL Company comes after nearly two decades of development under Aker BioMarine, during which the business introduced its proprietary “Eco-harvesting” technology and conducted research into krill’s nutritional benefits across various applications. The company will now operate independently while maintaining a focus on innovation and sustainability in krill-based products.
