Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) is investing in the latest state-of-the-art salmon pen technology for its new Westerbister site in Orkney.
The Scottish salmon farmer’s is paying EUR 900,000 (USD 1.02 million) for 16 Triton 450 pens from Fusion Marine. The transaction is the latest made between SSF and Marine Fusion, which have been in business with each other for more than 20 years. The Westerbister site is expected to receive the pen system later this year.
“The Fusion Marine Triton pens are fully proven to withstand the harsh and relentless Orkney storms,” said Richard Darbyshire, Orkney Regional Production Manager for SSF, in a press release. “We have previously worked with Fusion on our Wyre and Eday projects and we have been impressed with their professionalism and workmanship.”
The Triton pen system has been optimized to handle the temperamental conditions often associated with exposed, open sea fish farming locations. Fitted with polyethylene, the pens have a 100-meter circumference and are constructed using advanced jointing techniques.
“We always strive to work closely with salmon producers in developing fish containment systems that meet their requirements, and Triton is a great example of such co-operation,” said Fusion Marine Director Iain Forbes.
The SSF Westerbister salmon farm, where the Triton pens will be utilized, has created six new jobs in the Orkney area while also boosting business for the nearby, Argyll-based Fusion Marine.
“As we strive to try and further expand our farming activity in Orkney we will continue to invest with local suppliers. This latest order brings almost EUR 1 million (USD 1.14 million) of spending to the Scottish economy, supporting jobs and enhancing local economic benefits during the construction phase,” Darbyshire said.
“We also take great pride in our after-sales support where we continually liaise with customers to ensure the most efficient operation of their equipment. This latest order from Scottish Sea Farms helps ensure job security at our manufacturing base and underlines the importance of fish farming in supporting our rural economy,” Forbes said.
