Norway set to unveil first offshore licences within months

The Norwegian government is set to announce its first fish farming “far out at sea” licences in the New Year.

The move to license offshore aquaculture has been received with huge enthusiasm and described as a great opportunity for the aquaculture sector.

Seafood Norway (Sjømat Norge), said that together with a group of potential players consisting of, among others, SalMar Aker Ocean (pictured), Viewpoint and Utror, it has worked purposefully to realise the potential of at sea aquaculture over several years.

“This is an important and correct step by the minister,” said Ole Fretheim, Head of Aquaculture Technology at Seafood Norway.

He added: “Aquaculture at sea represents a gigantic opportunity for Norway – not only to increase food production of sustainable proteins, but also to secure Norway’s position as a leading seafood nation in the future as well.”

“Since the establishment of the Hurdals platform, the Støre-led government has had a stated goal of developing a separate licensing regime for farming at sea.

“It is therefore important that the first offshore licenses are now awarded so that the aquaculture nation Norway can continue to develop its globally leading position.

“With cutting-edge expertise in offshore, maritime and aquaculture, Norway is well equipped to create a new industry at sea. The realization of aquaculture at sea will also be one of the contributions to increased food security in the future.”

The Hurdals platform is the agreement that set out the basis for Norway’s governing Labour-Centre Party coalition, under the premiership of Labour’s Jonas Gahr Støre.