Maritime Montering secures contract for Nordlaks offshore Aquaculture Facility.
Shipbuilding and repair company Maritime Montering has been awarded a contract to equip the Hydra, a cutting-edge semi-closed aquaculture unit developed by Nordlaks, the company announced on Wednesday.
The tank will be constructed at the Gemak Shipyard in Turkey and represents Maritime Montering’s first venture into offshore fish farming.
The Hydra project, acquired by Nordlaks in 2021 through its takeover of Hydra Salmon Company II AS, is supported by four development permits granted by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
It features technology designed to enhance biosecurity and address environmental challenges such as salmon lice. The closed tank system includes a 20-meter-deep steel structure with integrated systems for feeding, mortality management, and water circulation.
With a capacity of 3,120 tonnes of biomass, the Hydra is expected to set a benchmark for sustainable aquaculture, according to the company. Nordlaks CEO Eirik Welde called the project a “new and exciting development path” that aligns with Norway’s comparative advantages in fish farming while addressing sustainability and fish welfare.
Key Features of the Hydra Project:
- Design and Structure: The Hydra includes a dome-shaped surface module, a closed tank wall extending 20 meters underwater, and a water circulation system for environmental control.
- Automation and Energy Use: The tank operates without permanent staffing, relying on land-based electricity with backup diesel generators. Operations such as feeding and monitoring can be managed remotely.
- Reduced Footprint: The tank occupies just 5,000 square meters, significantly less than traditional farms, and reduces the area subject to fishing and navigation restrictions.
The Hydra will be tested at a Nordlaks site in Sørvika, Hadsel Municipality, replacing an existing facility. The location’s strong currents make it ideal for testing this semi-closed concept.
