One of the project partners, Freja Offshore AB, is planning to build a floating wind farm (Mareld). The idea behind the new project is that Mareld could become more than just a wind farm - it could also be a place for sustainable fish farming. The project - OffWoff co-location project - will therefore develop methods for sustainable fish farming in connection with the future wind farm.
The new project is a great example of innovation at sea. Thordur Reynisson, Advisor at Nordic Innovation explains:
“Our oceans are a fantastic source of life that we must utilize carefully. We want to support innovative projects that harness the potential of the sea while also strengthening and restoring marine biodiversity. We believe that Mareld could become such a project.”
Read more about the OffWoff co-location project
Major benefits with offshore fish farming
Offshore wind farms can function as artificial reefs and marine protected areas. This increases the quantity of fish and shellfish, which in return will boost the availability of prey species. At the same time, larger fishing boats cannot pass through the wind farm. Instead, there are good opportunities for conducting fish farming.
The fish farms will be placed between the platforms of the wind turbines. Each system consists of 12 cages submerged in the sea and is estimated to produce around 6,000 tons of fish per year. The plan is to establish several systems in connection with the Mareld wind farm. Once the fish are 'harvested', they will be transported by ship to land for processing and packaging. Each system will require approximately 30 jobs at sea and 30 on land.
One advantage of farming fish in the open sea far from the coast is the lower presence of parasites that can attack the fish. Another benefit is that water quality is often better offshore. Subfarm's model, which uses submerged fish cages, protects the fish from sea lice and harmful algae.
Project partners:
- Subfarm is one of Norway's leading companies in offshore fish farming, with a strong focus on sustainability. The company develops fish cages designed to withstand the world's toughest conditions in the North Sea
- Lysekil Municipality is a hub for knowledge and development in the marine sector
- DHI is an international research institute with 60 years of experience studying aquatic environments in 140 countries. The institute is headquartered in Denmark
- Blue Maritime Cluster is a collaboration between 200 Norwegian actors in the marine sector and has been granted special expert status by the Norwegian government
- Freja Offshore AB is a joint venture between Norway's Mainstream Renewable Power and Sweden's Hexicon, established to develop, build, and operate floating offshore wind farms in Sweden
The project was kicked off 17 June 2024 with a meeting between the partners in Kristineberg.
Read more about the OffWoff co-location project
Background
The OffWoff co-location project is funded under the Sustainble Ocean Economy program which is one of eight initiatives launched by the five Nordic ministers for trade and industry. The aim of the program is to strengthen Nordic ocean-based industries by promoting cross-border collaboration, and by creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in the region.
