Hima Seafood, currently in the process of constructing the world’s largest land-based trout aquaculture facility in Rjukan, Norway, has made a commitment to sustainability by investing in advanced sludge treatment technology. Sterner will deliver the sludge treatment solution that contributes to the preservation and utilization of sludge as a valuable resource.

The trout RAS facility is designed to produce 9,000 tons of fish annually. In a RAS facility, substantial quantities of sludge are generated, which must be separated from the water circulating back to the fish. Karl Levinsen, project manager at Eyvi, the main contractor alongside Total Betong on the project, said, “we are left with the purified sludge as a byproduct from the facility, and by utilizing the right technology, this byproduct will create new value. Traditionally, such sludge has been considered waste, but technological advancements in recent years have opened the door to more sustainable management.”

Sterner has an extensive track record of successful delivery in aquaculture technology, and several years of experience with sludge treatment plants. Sterner’s technology ensures the dewatering and drying of the sludge removed from the fish farm, resulting in a high-quality product that can be reused as organic fertilizer in agriculture.

“What truly sets this solution apart from others is the special drying method,” noted Daniel Persen, project manager at Sterner. “We dry and sanitize the sludge one and the same process to meet the requirements of the fertilizer product regulations. There are a lot of years of experience and high competence behind the design of this complex facility, which ensures that the performance requirements are met. It should also be mentioned that the residual heat from the sludge treatment at Hima Seafood will be used to heat the building, making this an extremely energy-efficient facility.”