Singapore RAS picks Benchmark for ova deal

Benchmark Genetics has signed a contract to supply Atlantic salmon ova for a land-based RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) project in Singapore.

Singapore RAS, the company behind the new venture, is building a facility with an initial capacity of 1,000 tonnes annually, with an expansion to 3,000 tonnes in the next stage. This will be the first time Atlantic salmon has been produced in Singapore. The company, which was founded in 2008, refocused on RAS-based aquaculture in 2020. It aims to supply salmon for the home market only.

Benchmark will supply genetics from its Icelandic facilities to Singapore as soon as the hatchery and freshwater site is in operation, which is expected to be in 2023.

Esben Johnsen, CEO of Singapore RAS, said: “We are building a RAS-based facility for Atlantic salmon in Singapore with a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy, using learnings from similar commercial projects in Northern Europe. We aim to build a successful commercial venture that can become a regional centre of knowledge and RAS application in South-East Asia.”

“Signing with Benchmark is a part of our widespread stakeholder engagement, which already includes some 10 MOUs [memorandums of understanding] and strong agreements with future suppliers and partners,” he added.