Thursday, March 1, 2018

01/03/2018: Nordic Aquafarms announces a major land-based aquaculture facility for Atlantic Salmon in Maine, USA

After international market assessments and comprehensive land site searches, Nordic Aquafarms (NAF) has entered into agreements for a large property in Maine, USA to develop one of the largest land-based salmon farms internationally
 


The agreements are for a 40 acres property in the outskirts of the town of Belfast. Belfast is a Maine coastal town with approximately 7000 residents. The area has abundant access to sea- and freshwater resources that provide a good match with land-based aquaculture requirements.
 

From left: Elizabeth Ransom (Ransom Consulting), Lars-Henrik Røren (Chairman of NAF), US Senator Angus King, Erik Heim (NAF CEO), Peter DelGreco and Ashley Pringle (Maine & Co)
Image credit: Nordic Aquafarms 

“Finding an ideal site in Maine has been a six-month project”, says Nordic Aquafarms CEO Erik Heim.

Nordic Aquafarms plans to construct a land-based salmon farm with 33,000 tons (66 million pounds) annual production capacity, in several phases. This equals approximately eight percent of US consumption of salmon. The project will involve all-inn total capital investments between 450 to 500 Mill USD by the time it is complete. The first phase will involve investments of up to 150 Mill USD. The facility will be an end-to-end operation, including hatcheries and fish processing.

Nordic Aquafarms´ interest in Maine has been welcomed by Maine politicians and commercial interests. US Senator Angus King, Congressman Bruce Poliquin and the Governor of Maine Paul LePage have all met with Nordic Aquafarms. Positive and constructive dialogues regarding transatlantic business relationships were pursued. Nordic Aquafarms also wishes to recognise Maine & Co and the City of Belfast, who have demonstrated that Maine is truly “open for business”.

Aquaculture is a growing force in Maine’s economy, bringing new jobs and opportunities to our state’s fishing industry,” said US Senator Angus King. “Nordic Aquafarms´ facility will build on our state’s rich fishing traditions and promote innovation and sustainability that can help Belfast and the surrounding community thrive. This is an investment in Maine people, Maine jobs, and the future of our economy.

Nordic Aquafarms will now proceed with final due diligence, planning and permitting for the facility. Phase 1 for some 13,000 tons production capacity, will be the largest land-based facility project ever raised in one construction phase. It will house the largest aquaculture tanks in the world and new disruptive solutions, currently being designed by an experienced team in Norway. Construction start is planned in 2019.

For more information visit the Nordic Aquafarms website, HERE.

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