Bluefront invests in marine inspection firm
SEAFOOD investor Bluefront Equity has invested an undisclosed sum to buy a 50% stake in Akvasafe, an inspection and certification specialist focused on marine fish farming.
Akvasafe, based in Bergen, Norway, is an accredited inspection body in areas such as construction certificates, mooring and site analysis and component certificates.
It also offers product certification for ocean-based fish farming, including mooring components, float collars, barges, nets and service stations. Within land-based farming, the company offers product certification of vessels, pipes and hoses and delivery of technical reports. Akvasafe has also recently been accredited for provision of environmental services.
Akvasafe’s subsidiary Sematek is also part of the transaction. Sematek is an independent testing and inspection company offering inspection, testing, verification and technical services for materials in plastic, steel, aluminium or concrete that are utilised in the seafood industry.
Sematek’s product portfolio includes wave breakers that can protect ocean-based fish farms and ports against rough seas.
Bluefront has not revealed the details of the transaction, which included a share issue as well as the purchase of shares from existing shareholders.