Torghatten Aqua acquires Nordland Settefisk

- "In addition to the short-term need for smolt in the Torghatten Group, we are seeing a strong increase in demand for large smolt both at Helgeland and elsewhere along the coast. This applies both in connection with a change in operational arrangements in traditional cage farming, and also in future offshore and land-based farming," says Knut Bråthen, head of the aquaculture initiative in Torghatten Aqua. "We see great opportunities for utilising the licences Nordland Settefisk has, and we look forward to developing the company further. We invite potential customers and others to cooperate," says Bråthen.

Torghatten Aqua has for some time been working on specific plans for land-based fish farming in Helgeland through Helgeland Miljøfisk and Vevelstad Settefisk. Torghatten Aqua also has a major stake in the land-based fish farmer Bue Salmon, at Bulandet in Vestland, and is thus one of the key players in Norway in the development of land-based fish farming. - "The acquisition of the shares in Nordland Settefisk helps to realise our strategy and our growth plans within aquaculture. It is important to emphasise that the investment in Nordland Settefisk comes in addition to the investments in Vevelstad Settefisk, Helgeland Miljøfisk and Bue Salmon," says Øyvind Løvdahl, CEO of Torghatten Aqua.

Nordland Settefisk was established in 2019 and was granted a hatchery licence in 2021. All shares have recently been owned by Bjørn Erik Sørvig in Leirfjord and his family through the company Sørvig Utvikling. - "We are pleased to find a solid local buyer for the company that has the capacity and expertise to both realise and further develop the company's plans, and contribute to creating activity and jobs in the region," says Sørvig, who has worked with the new owners for many years.

The location in the Horvneset industrial area, where Helgelandsbase is also located, gives Norland Settefisk good access to infrastructure such as quays, water and electricity. There is also a good dialogue with Alstadhaug municipality and other players about significant expansions already.