Norwegian cod farmer Norcod achieved another milestone this week with the transfer of its latest batch of juvenile fish to sea, to be ready to harvest in a year’s time.
The company has now put 2.4 million sixth-generation cod juveniles into its three sea-cage sites in central coastal Norway The next round of transfers is scheduled to start in spring 2022, and the current aim is to produce at least 25,000 metric tons (MT) of harvestable fish by 2025.
“The transfer operation to the sea site growth facilities went successfully as planned. The fish seemed happy immediately and began feeding straight after their arrival,” Norcod Production Director Rune Eriksen said.
Norcod is now preparing for another major milestone, with the first commercial harvest of fresh cod due in the next few months.
“We are excited to start generating income from our first harvest and the arrangements that have been put in place with buyers," Norcod CEO Christian Riber said. "Everyone is eager to bring this premium product to the market."
Norcod’s business model creates an integrated value chain from egg to market through ownership and collaborative partnerships. Namdal Seafood has entered into an agreement to slaughter the cod, and Sirena Group, the largest shareholder in Norcod, is responsible for sales.
Sirena Group is a leading premium seafood sales and marketing company and has been working to line up customers in key markets, the company said. Martin Buhl, head of strategy at Sirena Group, said in a release that “Norcod must be positioned and branded as the sustainable and delicious high-end seafood product that it is.”
A trial harvest earlier this year received excellent feedback from a number of Michelin-starred chefs, Norcod said.
“We are truly excited about the market response so far and the bright prospects for establishing Norcod as a leading brand and product in the global market,” Buhl said.
In line with a commitment to sustainability goals, Norcod is looking forward to the October delivery of a feed barge equipped with waterborne feeding technology to be used at its newest farming site. A new hybrid-electric service vessel, the Julianne J, is also nearing completion.
“Both vessels are key components in our sustainability strategy to enhance operational efficiency and lower emissions in the production cycle,” Eriksen said.
Photo courtesy of Norcod
