Multi X and Intership sign ‘super wellboat’ deal

Chilean salmon farmer Multi X is acquiring one of the world’s most advanced wellboats, following an agreement with the Norwegian company Intership.

The two companies have entered into a long term agreement for a newbuild with a 4,000 cubic metre capacity, in a deal struck at the Aqua Nor trade show in Trondheim.

The vessel (pictured) is currently under construction in the Sefine Shipyard in Turkey and is due to begin operations in the second half of next year.

It has significant innovations in freshwater production and treatments, and will allow important advancements in sustainable operations.

Multi X, which is one of the largest Chilean Atlantic Salmon producers, and Intership said the collaboration seeks to operate one of the most state-of-the-art wellboats available in the global salmon industry, within Chile.

The vessel includes several innovations designed to further develop fish farming operations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Most notably, it can provide sustainable freshwater treatments using freshwater produced through reverse osmosis.

Cristian Swett, CEO at Multi X, said: “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Intership, a global forerunner within live fish handling and transport.

“This partnership will undoubtedly strengthen our seawater activities, advancing us towards increasingly sustainable operations and prove our continuity to the highest standards of fish farming”.

Ole Peter Brandal, Intership CEO, added “We are honoured and delighted for this significant opportunity in the Chilean market with a world-class salmon farmer like Multi X.

“We are also very enthused to now also be able to share our innovative freshwater production capabilities and sustainable freshwater treatment opportunities with the Chilean market and with Multi X in particular”.

Since 2016, Intership has taken the lead in developing freshwater treatment for lice and AGD using a reverse osmosis system. Including all newbuilds, the company’s total fleet capacity will be about 26,200 cubic metres across 11 well boats. The fleet operates in Norway, Chile, Scotland and on the east coast of Canada.

Multi X, represented by Martin Hepp and Carlos Montecinos (right), and Intership, represented by Joar Gjerde and Nicolás Mardones (left), sign the deal at the Intership stand, Aqua Nor.