AKVA wins Iceland feed barge deal

The Icelandic salmon company Laxar Fiskeldi is to buy a large new feed barge from the AKVA group to meet an expected east coast increase in output over the next few years.

The vessel, known as the AC 650 Panorama has a large feeding capacity of 650 metric tons in 12 silos, eight feeding lines and an option for the AKVA hybrid battery pack. It is also the second feed barge Laxar Fiskeldi has ordered from AKVA.

Hans-Øyvind Sagen, AKVA’s Nordic sales director, said:

\’Iceland is an exciting, up-and-coming market with great opportunities for further growth. With this delivery we are consolidating our leading position as a supplier of feed barges to Iceland.\’

Laxar Fiskeldi is located close to AKVA group\’s service station in Eskifjordur, and already has a delivery and service agreement with the company for net equipment.

\’It is a good foundation to further develop our collaboration in fish farming equipment. We look forward to following Laxar\’s production and further growth,\’ Sagen added.

Laxar Fiskeldi has recently received an increased production licence on the east coast of Iceland and is now heading for a capacity of up to 16,000 tonnes annually. Laxar’s production manager Gunnar Gunnarsson, who has considerable aquaculture experience, said:

\’We need feed barges with superior safety, stability and durability. In addition, silo, silage and feeding capacity and functionality are key. Good equipment is a significant success factor for us to succeed, and AC 650 Panorama from AKVA group has the qualities we are looking for.\’

Delivery is expected next spring.