Closed-containment aquaculture cage modules ordered by Lerøy and SalMar arrive in Sotra, Norway; each unit can hold 1.5 million salmon

On Wednesday, November 4, the heavy-lift vessel "Mighty Servant 3" docked at the quay in Ågotnes on the island of Sotra, carrying modules that will be assembled into a large closed-containment aquaculture facility. The cages were ordered by Lerøy and SalMar and will be assembled at CCB, the oil base in Ågotnes.

According to Alf Reidar Sandstad of supplier Seafarming Systems, who spoke to NRK, the cages were built in China but designed by Seafarming Systems. He said receiving the cages brought "a feeling of fear mixed with joy."

Once assembled, each cage can hold 1.5 million salmon. On that basis, its capacity will be twice that of the largest closed-containment cage in the world to date.

The closed-containment cage model is the Aquatraz C2, the fifth generation of the Aquatraz series, further developed by Seafarming Systems in close cooperation with SalMar and Lerøy, building on the experience of previous generations with more than 25 years of cumulative operating time and 30,000 tonnes of salmon production. The cage has a closed volume of 70,000 cubic metres, is equipped with a double barrier, has water intakes located at a depth of 35 metres or deeper, and integrates a sludge collection system.

Morten Fjæreide, general manager of Lerøy Sjøtroll, said: "Now we are going to produce fish on the fish's own terms." Sandstad said this is a closed system with a double barrier that provides a lice-free environment for the fish.

From cutting steel in China to completion of assembly in Norway, the total production time for the cages is estimated at about 11 months.