Iceland-based equipment manufacturer Vélfag has partnered with Norwegian cod farming company Ode to develop a processing solution for farmed cod.
Vélfag, founded in 1995, produces a number of different fish processing equipment solutions. Initially focusing on processing solutions for at-sea installations, the company has branched into land-based processing facilities.
Its latest product, “UNO,” is designed to save labor and perform multiple operations in one device. The company said it will perform filleting, pin bone removal, skinning, and “soon” heading in one compact footprint.
“We are excited to partner with ODE and bring our UNO technology to the farmed cod industry,” Vélfag CEO Trausti Árnason said. “This agreement marks a significant milestone as we expand our reach into new markets, offering cutting- edge solutions that improve efficiency and quality. The UNO machine’s ability to streamline processing and reduce labor while maintaining top-tier quality aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the seafood industry.”
Vélfag said entering the farmed cod market will strengthen its position as a fish processing solution provider.
Ode CEO Ola Kvalheim said the partnership is a key step in the company’s work to advance the farmed cod industry. In its recent export statistics, the Norwegian Seafood Council revealed farmed cod made up 28 percent of the total fresh cod export value in Q1 2025, a new record for the industry.
“Installing the UNO line in our factory at Vartdal allows us to optimize efficiency while ensuring the highest product quality, which is essential as we scale our operations and invest in local fish processing and activity in our local community,” Kvalheim said. “At Ode, we are committed to innovation at every stage of cod farming. Partnering with Vélfag and integrating their cutting-edge UNO technology helps us streamline processing and maximize yield – while also providing a platform for further innovation in byproducts utilization and value creation.”
Kvalheim told SeafoodSource the company was aiming for 12,000 metric tons (MT) of harvest in 2024. The company currently has access to enough farming sites in Norway to produce 25,000 MT of cod each year.
