This Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) was built to supply high-quality salmon smolt for net pen farming ensuring a reliable and sustainable source for production of large sea-raised salmon.

Situated in a challenging and narrow plot of land, the Ænes Inkubator features a compact design that accommodates five RAS. Four of these systems operate on AKVA group´s zero water concept (ZWC) significantly reducing water usage and minimizing environmental impact by thorough sludge treatment. The facility has an annual production capacity of 2,700 tons large smolts and is designed to support weights up to 1,000 grams. The facility manages a feed load of 14 tons per day, and the total water flow exceeds 28,000 m3/h.

The project began in collaboration with the AKVA group in 2016. The first RAS delivery was signed in 2018, with additional RAS systems added in 2020. The facility was completed in 2023 and showcases a comprehensive range of AKVA group's solutions.

Although the operational team at Ænes Inkubator was relatively inexperienced in RAS at the time of execution, the team was involved from the early stages of the project. The involvement brought fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to the facility's goals. The use of RAS technology with ZWC reflects Ænes Inkubator's efforts to implement sustainable aquaculture practices and reduce its environmental footprint.


Location: Hardanger Fjord, Norway
Contract date: 2018
Handover date: February 2023
Project managers: Rasmus Buhl (AGD), Eirik Horve (AGS)
Key Account Manager: André Flo
 

Technical specification:

Total flow: 28.021 m3/h or 7.783 L/s
Total feed: 14.150 kg/day
Yearly production: 2.700 Ton
Max fish size: 1000g
Average fish size: 400g

Scope of works

AKVA group Denmark

  • 1x Hatchery
  • 5x RAS systems (4 ZWC systems)
  • 2x Central heat/cooling process systems
  • 2x pH management systems
  • 1x Salinity system
  • 2x Feeding systems
  • 1x Fresh intake water system
  • 2x Chemical systems for zero water change
  • 1x Sludge system
  • 1x Fish barrier system
  • Cyber security for all process equipment
     

AKVA group Sømna

  • Steel fish tanks
    - 9x          Ø6,5m tanks
    - 6x          Ø10m tanks
    - 4x          Ø12m tanks
  • 3x Fish tank hall walkways in aluminum
  • 5x FTC (Fish Tank Cleaner) and Jet-pipes
  • Pipes in ground for 5x RAS
  • PE-liner on 8x 1200m3 tanks
  • 1x Vacuum mortality system