The Marine Donut is a circular closed flow-through facility in the sea, with a volume of 22,000 cubic metres and a capacity of 1,100 tonnes of standing biomass. It is constructed of thermoplastic, has ultraviolet purification of intake water, and sludge collection, and is one of the few sea-based facilities that meets the requirements for moving fish between production zones.
“We have built something completely unique. There is a ‘river’ inside the facility that sets the fish in motion, which reduces stress. The volume is fantastic, and the fish move very nicely. This is not only an environmentally friendly concept, but also economically sound,” says Tufte.
The Marine Donut can be used for both post-smolt and food fish production, and Tufte believes the greatest economic potential lies in its flexibility.
“You can use the Donut for post-smolts, and then send the fish to open cages – or further into a new Donut. This provides more strategic opportunities for the farmers.”
Bluegreen is also involved in the production of FishGlobe – another closed farming concept.
Bluegreen CEO Nils Johan Tufte does not see this as a conflict, but as a strength.
“The market is big enough for both. We work well together and are building three FishGlobes now – two for overseas and one for Nova Sea.”
The road to this point has not been easy. Since its inception in 2020, Bluegreen has experienced major fluctuations. The first year the company had NOK 56 million in revenue, the second year NOK 172m, but then came the resource tax.
“It’s going to be an adventure. Marine Donut is a ‘proven technology’. Now we will build capacity and help the industry move forward – both in Norway and internationally.”
The company has looked at both Canada and Scotland, but has no doubt that its main market will be in Norway. The boss also highlights the opportunities in artificial intelligence and data collection in closed facilities as the next step.
“With all the sensors and data capture we have in a closed system, everything is in place to use AI to further optimise operations. It’s incredibly exciting – and this is where the future lies.”
Source: FishfarmingExpert
