Norway’s Lerøy Seafood Group has contracted with U.K.-based IQF equipment developer Starfrost to incorporate a new freezing system into its operations: the Helix spiral freezer.
According to Starfrost, the Helix spiral freezer “has enabled the seafood processor to increase production of its fish fillet products by more than 30 [percent],” it said in a press release.
Increased demand for its products prompted Lerøy to begin the search for new IQF technology geared toward the seafood industry. The company said it specifically looked to invest in freezing equipment that would allow it to up the production capacity at its facility in Melbu, Norway.
Starfrost, which installed a spiral freezer for Lerøy over 18 years ago, was a natural pick for the Norwegian seafood processor and its fish fillet processing line, the company said. The modern spiral freezer being installed by Starfrost is a leap forward in “design, efficiency and ease of maintenance,” the firm said. Compared to the freezer it’s replacing, the Helix has a 50 percent larger belt area and “been designed to operate with the same fan power,” Starfrost said, translating to a significant increase in product output, “with zero increase in energy use,” for Lerøy.
The freezer also boasts a clean in place (CIP) system, performing automated cleaning and sanitizing protocols throughout the freezing process, Starfrost explained.
“Latest advancements in Starfrost’s CIP technology enables a substantial reduction of water usage whilst achieving the highest levels of hygiene standards,” the company said.
Lerøy Seafood Engineering Manager Ronny Holen said the innovative new addition to its processing practices aligns well with the company’s leading priorities.
"As a world-leading seafood processor, bringing innovation to the seafood market is always a top priority at Leroy Seafood Group. When we required more capacity of our seafood products, it was a great opportunity to invest in a new freezing system that featured the latest in IQF technology, bringing benefits to both our business and our customers. We trust Starfrost as experts in the field of freezing and were keen to work with the team again to support our latest project,” Holen said.
Holen said Lerøy required a spiral freezer that would enable it to increase output of its frozen fish fillets, and a quick installation process "to ensure we were ready to begin production in time for the seafood season."
"Starfrost delivered on each one of our requirements and we are extremely satisfied with the performance of the spiral freezer which has streamlined processes at our facility,” Holen added. “Starfrost exceeded all expectations and we were impressed with the service delivered to us and commitment to the project. Starfrost engineers ensured production was ready within a very strict and short timeframe, whilst delivering exceptional standards of health and safety throughout the installation.”
Lerøy’s new spiral freezer has been manufactured and installed to freeze 1,100 kilograms per hour of vacuum-packed fish fillets. It also features IQF airflow technology, “which delivers consistent freeze to the seafood products, providing Leroy Seafood Group with optimum product quality and maximum freezer performance,” Starfrost said.
Photo courtesy of Starfrost
