MMC First Process has signed a contract with Samherji Fiskeldi to supply a complete fish logistics system for the company’s new land-based aquaculture facility, Eldisgarður, currently under construction on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. Once fully operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 36,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon.
“We have selected MMC First Process as our system supplier. They bring unique expertise and technology that supports our ambitions for optimal fish welfare in both handling and transport,” said Jón Kjartan Jónsson, CEO of Samherji Fiskeldi. “They’ve been entrusted with total system responsibility and will be a key contributor to our fish logistics solutions, which have been crucial in our decision.”
This agreement marks a major milestone in the development of next-generation land-based salmon farming on the island. MMC First Process will deliver a comprehensive fish logistics system to Eldisgarður. The system includes a range of proprietary technologies and solutions such as automation, sorting machines, fish pumps, and a full-water transport system for live fish. The delivery also includes custom MMC First Process components that connect fish transport pipelines throughout the facility, as well as third-party equipment integrated into the full system architecture.
A standout element of the delivery is the inclusion of three AQU Gentle Pumps, chosen specifically for their exceptional fish welfare performance. “This pump technology was selected because it sets a new standard in gentle fish handling,” said Børre Haanes Waagan, sales manager for Land-Based Aquaculture at MMC First Process.
Samherji Fiskeldi has already tested the AQU Gentle Pump at its land-based facility in Öxarfjörður, north of Akureyri, where it significantly improved fish welfare during the handling phase. “We’ve used a pilot version of this pump for an extended period, and in collaboration with MMC First Process, we’ve documented that it delivers the highest level of fish welfare we’ve experienced when handling live fish,” added Jón Kjartan Jónsson.
