Scale Aquaculture (ScaleAQ) is a total supplier to the aquaculture industry; they announced that they have entered into an agreement to acquire Probotic, an innovative Norwegian start-up company that has developed a solution for autonomous inspection and cleaning of nets in the sea. The acquisition is strategic and will further strengthen ScaleAQ‘s position as a leading global supplier of technology and products to the aquaculture industry.
“With Probotic, we are expanding our product portfolio where close interaction between the floating collar, net and net cleaning is key. We are also strengthening our presence in Northern Norway, where Probotic has its head office,” said ScaleAQ CEO Audun Fjeldvær.
“In order for the results of the technology to be optimal, it is very important that the net must be adapted to the robot cleaner, and the robot cleaner adapted to the net. It is this interaction that ensures a clean and safe net and thus the best environment for the fish,” the CEO added.
For his part, CEO Michelle Opshaug and founder Mikkel Pedersen of Probotic commented: “With ScaleAQ as owner, we have access to both financial and human resources and security that allows us to focus fully on further product development, commercialization and operation of the systems. We’re looking forward to the next chapter,”, who will continue to own the company.
An Idea that Was Born in 2016
Norwey-based Probotic was established by Pedersen in 2019, with the aim of making the aquaculture industry cleaner and safer. The idea was born while flushing nets in 2016, and after thousands of hours of development, the company launched its first model, Probot 1.0, in 2024. The solution has already received good feedback from the market, and a six-year agreement has been signed with a renowned fish farmer.
“We are impressed by the expertise, technology and enthusiasm of the team at Probotic. This is a company with a clear purpose and a solution that fits well into our solutions for fish farmers. The cleaning robot the company has developed provides better fish welfare, higher efficiency, better hygiene, a safer working environment and more predictable operations. We know that our customers want this,” assured Sigurd Flaat Liljefjell, CEO of ScaleAQ Seabased.
Fjeldvær, added: “We look forward to building on what has been developed and reinforcing it through our expertise, network and value chain both in Norway and internationally.”
Increasing Fish Welfare and Productivity
According to the company, from now customers can look forward to increased fish welfare and productivity through continuous cleaning of nets, which improves water quality and fish appetite. In addition, the company helps to detect holes and wear and tear at an early stage, which can be crucial in preventing escapes and thus protecting both the environment and the economy.
The technology of Probotic will now be further developed and supported by ScaleAQ‘s extensive service network, ensuring high uptime and peace of mind for fish farmers.
“Probotic has developed a strong solution, but sees that industrial ownership can increase the company’s chances of commercial success. ScaleAQ is the right partner to take Probotic to the next level,” says Nicolai Haugland, chairman of Olaisen Blue Rogn on behalf of the sellers.
Presence in 10 Countries
ScaleAQ delivers pens, nets, feeding systems, software, barges, vessels, and more. With 900 of the most competent and innovative people in aquaculture, ScaleAQ creates value globally. They have presence in Norway, Chile, Canada, Tasmania, Vietnam, Poland, the UK, Iceland, Turkey and the Faroe Islands.
According to them, the name Scale was chosen because their mission is to create growth in the aquaculture industry. “We aim to lead that growth by providing technology solutions that are both cost-effective and sustainable, ensuring that aquaculture will thrive in the future.”
