Laxey, a developing company in Icelandic aquaculture, is establishing a groundbreaking land-based salmon farm on the Westman Islands with ambitious plans to produce 32,000 tonnes of salmon annually (LWE, Live Weight Equivalent).
Innovative aquaculture using renewable energy
Combining advanced technology and renewable energy, Laxey is setting a new standard for environmentally friendly aquaculture, also called fish farming. To further support sustainability efforts, Laxey has signed a Green Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s national power company and a leading producer of renewable energy.A high-tech approach to fish farming
The facility on the Westman Islands uses a hybrid water system in their grow-out facilities, recirculating 65% of its seawater and sourcing the remainder from fresh seawater from boreholes. This innovative design ensures optimal water quality and temperatures for salmon farming and minimises environmental impact.Laxey has built a state-of-the-art Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) smolt facility. After successfully passing through the station, batches are transported to the grow-out site in the post-smolt building. The grow-out site has six grow-out modules each capable of producing 4,500 tonnes of salmon annually (HOG, head on gutted). The project goal is to reach full capacity by 2031, and once fully scaled, it will create more than 100 jobs, strengthening the local economy by introducing an additional pillar of industry that harmonises well with the long-standing tradition of seafood production in the Westman Islands.
Optimal operations under demanding conditions
Land-based fish farms like Laxey’s require robust and reliable infrastructure to maintain precise control over water flow, oxygenation and filtration. Valves are critical to the control of these systems and must meet stringent requirements for durability and corrosion resistance due to their exposure to salt water.
AVK valves are available in materials and configurations suitable for the needs of aquaculture. Corrosion resistant materials like stainless steel and ductile iron with advanced coatings withstand harsh environments. Robust designs ensure durability and reduce downtime in the high-demand systems. AVK valves integrate seamlessly with automated systems for precise monitoring and control, improving operational efficiency. Electrofusion couplers allow for a fully welded pipe system, and the quality, reliability and flexibility of Fusion couplers ensure strong PE pipe joints.
Enhancing aquaculture efficiency and supporting growth
Laxey sets a benchmark in the aquaculture industry, and their commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our dedication to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions. Through our Icelandic distributor Set Pipes, we have supplied valves and fittings for the salmon farm, and we are proud to support projects like this, which not only enhance local economy but also promote environmentally responsible practices in the seafood industry.
Advantages of land-based fish farming
Land-based fish farms, located in tanks or ponds built on land, offer a fully controlled environment that allows precise management of growth conditions. Typically, these farms have a lower environmental impact, eliminate the risk of farmed fish and feed escaping into the wild and significantly reduce the risk of disease transfer to wild fish populations. Therefore, they are usually considered more sustainable than marine-based fish farms.
Valves and fittings delivered by AVK
- Knife gate valves DN100-1200 with handwheel, 38 pcs.
- Butterfly valves DN300-900 with handwheel/electric actuator, 143 pcs.
- Gate valves DN300-600 with handwheel, 38 pcs.
- Check valves DN200-700, 31 pcs.
- Electrofusion couplers, 139 pcs.