Norwegian cod farming company Ode revealed is investing in submersible pens from AKVA group to enhance fish welfare and optimize production. They announced that the first four complete Nautilus units will be installed at the Alida site in Volda municipality during the second and third quarters of 2025. This investment is part of Ode’s broader strategy for innovation and development, aiming to optimise production and product quality through a fully integrated value chain.
Cod is a natural deep-water species that thrives below the surface in cold, stable waters. By lowering the pens, Ode can offer improved environmental conditions, better fish welfare, and consistent growth and quality throughout the year.
“We combine biological insight with new technology to provide cod with the best possible conditions for growth. Submersible pens are a natural next step to enhance fish welfare, sustainability, and product quality. If we meet our performance targets this year, we will roll out the solution at additional sites suitable for this technology. This could also reshape which sites and areas are considered optimal for cod farming,” says Ola Kvalheim, CEO at Ode.
Key Advantages
Experience from both salmon farming and earlier cod trials using submersible pens has shown highly positive results. The technology offers key advantages by allowing better control of light exposure, temperature, and water quality – all critical factors for optimal growth and welfare.
The submersible systems are delivered in close collaboration with AKVA group. The pens are customized for deeper operations than standard solutions and will benefit from the favourable currents at the Alida site.
“This is an exciting step for cod farming, and we’re proud to support Ode with a Nautilus system adapted for deeper waters,” said Torunn Jørstad, Sales Manager Nordic at AKVA group. She described the collaboration with Ode as very positive and commends the team’s innovative spirit and expertise. With AKVA group’s experienced project team, she is confident the transition to deep farming will be carried out safely and successfully.
“A gradual approach to increased depth is wise – both for the customer and for us – allowing us to build experience at the right pace,” Jørstad added.
At the moment, Ode operates six active sea sites along the Norwegian coast, runs its own processing facility in Vartdal, and has a dedicated sales team delivering fresh, farmed Norwegian cod to customers worldwide – all year round. Through continuous investment in technology and sustainable operations, Ode is positioning itself for further growth and for taking a leading role in the development of cod farming.
Ode is a fully integrated Norwegian seafood company offering customers healthy and sustainable farmed cod of premium quality. They are innovating the whitefish category by offering 52-week supply of sashimi grade cod to customers worldwide, with excellent shelf-life and product flexibility.
South Korea’s First Land-Based Salmon Farm
In the other hand, South Korea has launched its first land-based salmon farm, developed by GS Engineering & Construction and operated by its subsidiary Eco Aquafarm. The Busan Smart Aquaculture Cluster uses recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology delivered by AKVA group.
“This project marks the start of land-based salmon production in South Korea, and we are pleased to contribute with technology and support. Our collaboration with Eco Aquafarm has included system delivery, training, and advisory services, and we look forward to continuing the cooperation as the facility moves into full production,” says Jacob Bregnballe, Sales Director in Land Based at AKVA group.
The facility has a capacity of 500 metric tons of Atlantic salmon per year, and is the first step of providing domestic salmon supply for Korea, which currently relies entirely on imports. The first salmon eggs were stocked in the autumn of 2024 with harvest expected in Q4 2026 after two years of cultivation.
“Through its marine special plant facilities, Eco Aquafarm seeks to realize the public interest in cultivating Atlantic salmon in eco-friendly and forward-looking RAS aquaculture facilities, developing future food to free them from future food security crises,” said Hyou-Sang Jin, CEO of Eco Aquafarm.
