FIRST POOL AT ANDFJORD SALMON FILLED

First pool at Andfjord Salmon filled. The first pool at Kvalnes on Andøya operated by Andfjord Salmon has been filled to its highest level, and the technical results are good. The next step is to test the laminar water flow.

Andfjord Salmon AS’ farming facility is located on Andøya, the northernmost island in the Arctic Archipelago of Lofoten, Vesterålen. Andfjord was established in 2014 by the founder Roy Bernt Pettersen. The company is built on a foundation of innovation and sustainable salmon farming. Andfjord Salmon’s facility is patented, consumes a minimal amount of energy with relatively low operating costs and its facility is sustainable with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

The first pool was technically ready to be filled with water a few months ago. However, the extensive test programme’s primary purpose is testing pool functions with seawater, various equipment and components such as poweradapters, sensors and the filtration system for discharge water.

“The test period, which was initiated several weeks ago, is a step-by-step process to obtain knowledge and understanding of how the pool and the equipment respond to seawater – both within and outside the pool. We are very pleased with the test results so far,” says Martin Rasmussen, CEO of Andfjord Salmon AS.

As a part of the extensive test programme, the water level in Andfjord Salmon’s first pool reached its highest level this week. Going forward, the pool will be tested at different fill stages, with further equipment testing conducted in the coming weeks.

“We have tested the pool for several weeks and so far everything looks great. We have filled the pool step-by-step and tested the discharge function throughout. This week, the water is at peak level,” says Rasmussen.

Testing of the laminar water flow, which is the heart of Andfjord Salmon’s patented flow-through technology, is the next step. A flow-through system with laminar water flow reduces energy consumption and associated costs significantly as there is no need to lift, filter or heat the seawater. Simply because the seawater is clean and holds a perfect temperature as it is sourced directly from the Atlantic gulf stream that enters Andfjorden, which is adjacent to Andfjord Salmon’s facility. In addition, the water intake is at a level where lice and algae do not exist.

The pool, which is 20 metres deep, will hold more than 1,000 tonnes of salmon. The plan is to release smolt in the second quarter next year. However, the ongoing test phase is also part of the preparations for the forthcoming expansion of additional fish farming pools at Kvalnes.

“The knowledge we acquire through the testing of the first pool will be highly beneficial for the forthcoming construction and utilisation of our other pools at Kvalnes. The key advantage of an extensive test period for the first pool is that we can reduce time, costs and execution risk when developing the next pools,” concludes Martin Rasmussen.