Strategic Partnership Revolutionizes Salmon Farming in Iceland
Delivering to a giant salmon farming facility in Iceland. Cflow has entered a strategic partnership with Samherji Fiskeldi, the driving force behind Iceland’s largest land-based aquaculture facility.
Cflow Secures Key Role in Salmon Garden Project
As a leading technology provider, Cflow AS has been selected as the strategic partner and supplier of water treatment systems for Salmon Garden, one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious endeavors in land-based Atlantic salmon farming. Owned and developed by Samherji Fiskeldi ehf., a subsidiary of Icelandic seafood giant Samherji Ltd., this visionary project aims to achieve a full production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of harvest-ready salmon annually.
Harnessing Renewable Energy for Sustainable Aquaculture
Located in southwest Iceland, the facility will utilize surplus resources from geothermal energy generation, aligning with the region’s commitment to industrial innovation. The project unfolds in three phases, with the first phase targeting an annual output of 12,000 tonnes. Upon completion, the facility is expected to create over 100 jobs in the regional economy.
Cflow Selected as Preferred Technology Partner
Top choice in tough international competition
Cflow emerged as the preferred technology partner following a rigorous evaluation process involving several European providers. Their advanced water treatment systems are designed to ensure optimal water quality, biosecurity, and enhanced fish wellbeing from smolt to market-ready fish.
Samherji Fiskeldi’s experience with Cflow’s systems at its Öxarfjörður facility played a pivotal role in the selection process. Since 2023, the company has poured over €30 million into upgrading and pilot testing new technologies, with several Cflow pilot systems already operational. Notably, these pilot facilities recently achieved a new feeding record, suggesting healthy fish growth and effective capacity utilization.
Quality and Control at the Forefront of Collaboration
“This achievement is a testament to our team’s expertise and technological prowess, especially in light of the competition from major international companies,” stated Stig Bjørkedal, CEO of Cflow. “Our focus extends beyond just building systems; we aim to foster trust and long-lasting relationships with our partners.”
As Salmon Garden sets high benchmarks for precision in both technology and operation, Lars Erik Aalhus, Tender Manager at Cflow, expressed pride in joining forces with Samherji Fiskeldi. “Their team brings a wealth of experience, and the collaboration has been incredibly professional and inspiring,” he remarked.
A Milestone in Food Production
Iceland’s largest food production project
Salmon Garden is anticipated to redefine aquaculture in Iceland and beyond. Leveraging the country’s sustainable resources, including renewable energy and pristine water, the facility aims to meet Europe’s growing demand for high-quality salmon.
Commencing development in 2020, the project emphasizes reducing operational intricacies while integrating proven technological solutions. According to Jon Kjartan Jonsson, CEO of Samherji Fiskeldi, their collaboration with Cflow led to a solution for essential water quality and production environment stabilization, encompassing filtration, CO₂ removal, and nitrogen stripping.
Funding Secured for Phase One
Phase one fully financed
The first phase of Salmon Garden has reached full financing through a mix of equity and a syndicated loan totaling €235 million, supported by both Icelandic and international investors. Thorsteinn Már Baldvinsson, former CEO of Samherji, highlighted the strong confidence shown by investors, stating that the project aims to create significant value for the Icelandic economy, similar to the nation’s fisheries industry.
About the Companies
About Cflow
Cflow specializes in developing comprehensive systems for live fish handling in the global aquaculture sector. Based in Langevåg, Norway, the company has been providing solutions since 2002, emphasizing fish welfare, biosecurity, and operational efficiency.
About Samherji
Established in 1983, Samherji is one of Iceland’s foremost seafood enterprises, engaged in fishing, processing, exporting, and aquaculture. With over 25 years in land-based salmon and Arctic char farming, Samherji continues this mission through its subsidiary Samherji Fiskeldi, which is spearheading the Salmon Garden initiative.
