Norwegian company MMC First Process has signed a major contract with Samherji Fiskeldi for the delivery of a fish logistics system to the new land-based aquaculture facility Eldisgarður (Salmon Garden), currently under construction in Reykjanes.
Once fully developed, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of salmon. The contract marks an important milestone in the development of next-generation land-based salmon farming in Iceland.
’We have chosen MMC First Process as our system supplier. They offer unique expertise and technology that support our ambitions for fish welfare during both handling and fish logistics. They have been entrusted with full system responsibility and are a key contributor to the fish logistics solutions. This has been crucial for us,’ said Jón Kjartan Jónsson, CEO of Samherji Fiskeldi.
MMC First Process will deliver a complete fish logistics system to Eldisgarður. The delivery includes a range of proprietary products and solutions, such as automation, sorting machines, fish pumps, and systems for full-water transport of live fish. In addition, MMC First Process will supply its own components that connect the fish-conveying pipes throughout the facility. The delivery also includes equipment from MMC First Process’ subcontractors, integrated into the complete architectural solution.
The delivery includes, among other things, three AQU Gentle Pumps.
’This pump technology was chosen because it is outstanding in terms of fish welfare,’ said Børre Haanes Waagan, sales manager for land-based aquaculture at MMC First Process, adding that Samherji Fiskeldi has already tested and used this new type of fish pump at its land-based aquaculture facility in Öxarfjörður in the north of Iceland. The company states that this technology has proven to elevate fish welfare during handling to a new level.
’We have used a pilot version of the pump for an extended period, and together with MMC First Process, we have documented that this pumping technology provides the best fish welfare we have experienced so far when handling live fish,’ Jón Kjartan Jónsson said.
Samherji’s new facility is expected to be operational during the first half of 2027. Samherji Fiskeldi has been active within land-based aquaculture for more than 20 years and covers the entire value chain – from hatching and juvenile production to grow-out facilities, processing, marketing, and sales of final products.
’This project clearly signals that the industry is moving towards more sustainable and technologically advanced production methods. We are proud to contribute with our expertise and solutions to such a forward-looking facility,’ Børre Haanes Waagan commented.
’We have worked together on this project for several years, so we are very pleased to have been chosen as the system supplier with such extensive responsibility, where fish welfare is the core,’ said Frank Edvard Vike CSO of Handling in MMC First Process. ’We are grateful for the trust, aiming for the first half of 2027, and look forward to continued good cooperation.’
