Pump manufacturer Framo has confirmed it has become a joint partner with fellow Norwegian company Lingalaks AS in the company StadionLaks, and will collaborate on the development of the Stadion Basin innovation project, a new closed, floating production system for Atlantic salmon.
Framo and fish farmer Lingalaks have signed an agreement for 50-50 joint ownership of the project, which has been awarded development licenses equivalent to 1,849 metric tons (MT) of biomass.
The basin is designed as a floating, closed, through-flow production unit for salmon farming measuring 39 meters by 117 meters. The name “Stadion” is the Norwegian word for stadium, and has been given because, when seen from above, the basin looks like a sports stadium. Construction of the farm is scheduled for completion in 2023.
“The objective with the Stadion Basin is to eliminate problems with salmon lice, accidental release and organic waste, and to provide good growing conditions for salmon. We are delighted that Framo has decided to invest in this important project,” Lingalaks and StadionLaks Chairman Erlend Haugarvoll said.
StadionLaks is also developing its system to collect sludge and organic waste, such as feed residue and faeces from the fish, and to exploit this as a resource.
“Our goal at Lingalaks is to identify solutions that provide optimal fish health and minimize the impact on our surroundings. We have been working on the Stadion Basin for four years now, and are looking forward to commissioning the system in 2023. If it all turns out as well as expected, it could provide major positive gains in relation to fish health, seafood production in the fjords, and for the entire aquaculture industry,” Haugarvoll said.
Framo will be responsible for the entire through-flow system. This includes taking water from various depths, circulation in the volume of water in the fish farm, removal of sludge and control systems.
“Closed and semi-closed plants require major pumps to replace the water and create ideal currents. This is where Framo are the experts. Given that our owners, Alfa Laval, are also world leaders within sludge and water treatment, there is little doubt that this will provide for a productive partnership,” Framo CEO Martijn Bergink said.
Photo courtesy of Lingalaks AS/StadionLaks
