BioMar expanding Aquaculture Technology Centre in Hirtshals, Denmark

BioMar Group is planning to expand its marine hatchery trial facilities at its Aquaculture Technology Centre in Hirtshals, Denmark.

The expansion, expected to be completed by September 2023, will add units dedicated to larval rearing as well as live feed production, “allowing for extensive research and testing of hatchery feeds for several marine species.”

“The investment will allow for an expansion into a new larger facility with the capability of performing trials in semi-industrial conditions,” the company said in a press release.

The hatchery trial facilities are intended to serve as a hub for research and development activities, according to BioMar Latin American Shrimp and Hatchery Vice President Henrik Aarestrup.

“We believe that this investment will unlock potential for growth in new markets and new species,” Aarestrup said. “This will bring innovations further solidifying our position as a leading provider of premium-quality hatchery feeds. The expansion of the ATC Hirtshals facility aligns with BioMar’s strategic plan for the hatchery segment, which is a key pillar for the development of marine fish and shrimp feeds.”

Specifically, BioMar hopes to continue research and commercialization of its Larviva hatchery feeds through work at the center, according to BioMar Global Research and Development Director Simon Wadsworth. BioMar’s Larviva production facility in France has already undergone two capacity expansions and BioMar sees potential to continue the growth trend for Larviva sales.

“We are commissioning advanced larval research facilities, to ensure the continued high performance of Larviva, as well as developing further products for this highly specialized global market,” Wadsworth said. “The core research team has also been strengthened by leading larval rearing expertise from the Mediterranean region. The new facility will significantly strengthen our research capacity in this dynamic segment.”

Wadsworth said six new employees will be hired to burnish the research capacity at the Hirtshals facility.

BioMar supplies aquafeed to 80 countries and for 45 different species. It operates 16 feed factories across the globe in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, France, Greece, Ecuador, Turkey, China, Australia, and Costa Rica. 

Photo courtesy of BioMar