Hauge’s ‘egg’ prepares to hatch
HAUGE Aqua Solutions has embarked on the construction of the first of its futuristic enclosed fish farm projects, known as the Egget. It has awarded the contract to another Norwegian company, Herde Kompositt, which will build the 21-metre high egg-shaped fibre-glass unit.
The Egget is the latest in a series of unusually shaped salmon farm facilities from Norway that might look more at home in outer space than anchored off a fjord.
It is designed to help solve some of the problems associated with salmon farming, such as lice, escapes and pollution.The Egget project was initially a collaboration with Mowi (formerly Marine Harvest), but in February Hauge announced its intention to go it alone after apparently becoming frustrated with the pace of progress. Mowi is continuing to invest on other closed containment systems.
Kim Røssland, general manager and one of Herde Kompositt’s four partners, said: “We look forward to contributing to this major innovative project that will be able to contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry.”
Hauge Aqua has also taken over the operation of a lifeboat factory in Norway for the project.The company said current production platforms, based on the open pen system, were too weak to sustain significant growth and achieve environmental performance.
The shape of the new robust and enclosed tank is that of an egg, built as a composite sandwich. The shape provides a complete double curved surface. Ninety percent of the tank is submerged and not visible during operation, while 10% is above the water and filled with ventilated air..