Salfjord has received all key permits and approvals it needs to build the next phase of its land-based salmon farm with a projected output of 36,500 metric tons (MT).
Aure, Norway-based Salfjord said in a H1 2025 update of its progress that it has gained final confirmation of the aquaculture licenses it needs for its facility in Tjeldbergodden from the Norway Directorate of Fisheries. The company said it got final confirmation of the aquaculture licenses in May which correspond to 27 traditional in-ocean net-pen based licenses.
“We now have all the key prerequisites in place to realize the project. This is a strong signal to investors, partners, and the local community that Salfjord is delivering as planned,” Salfjord Chair Jan Harald Hauvik said in a release.
The company said it has also gained approval for the zoning plan of its facility, which allows it to farm up to 30 million smolts and 43,000 MT of salmon, trout, or rainbow trout annually.
“This provides us with a solid foundation for long-term investments with sensible returns, as well as flexibility to optimize production in line with market and seasonal conditions,” Salfjord CEO Hans Ramsvik said in a release.
Salfjord started the groundwork needed to begin construction in December 2024, establishing road access and beginning earthworks for the facility. The company said since that time, things have been progressing smoothly.
“Groundworks at Tjeldbergodden, carried out by Tverås Maskin & Transport, are progressing as planned with strong HSE results,” the company said.
The company also said it has secured the energy it needs to operate the facility by securing 55 megawatts of power from Statnett – the system operator of the Norwegian power system – as well as a place in Statnett’s queue for an additional 55 megawatts later on.
The company has also hired Robin Fladseth to serve as its chief operating officer. Salfjord said Fladseth brings with him experience from leading positions he held at salmon-farming company SalMar.
“Robin Fladseth will help build operations, production processes, and quality systems with a particular focus on fish welfare and risk management,” the company said.
The company has estimated the total costs of the project will likely be in the region of NOK 7 billion to NOK 7.5 billion (USD 686 million to USD 735 million, EUR 586 million to EUR 628 million), and the company is aiming to introduce its first smolts in December 2027.
