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Atlantic salmon is very popular in China. Farming it on land close to cities such as Beijing and Shanghai allow for fresh products while reducing the carbon footprint and logistic costs. BAADER is supporting Nordic Aqua Partners with its equipment, to set up the first land-based aquaculture plant in China.
Norway, long celebrated for its seafood, has built a global reputation around its Atlantic salmon. Traditionally farmed in Norway's cold waters, this premium product is known for its quality and sustainability. However, as global demand for salmon continues to grow Norwegian companies are adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
The Rising Demand for Salmon in China
China has seen a surge in demand for farmed Atlantic salmon, driven by the country's growing middle class and increasing appetite for high-quality seafood. As more Chinese consumers seek out fresh and healthy food options, the appeal of Norwegian salmon has only grown. But the logistics of exporting fresh fish halfway around the world poses significant challenges. Freshness is paramount in seafood, and long transport times from Norway to China can affect product quality. Additionally, the carbon footprint of shipping salmon over such distances is substantial.
This is where Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) come into play. RAS is a cutting-edge method for farming fish that is gaining traction worldwide due to its sustainability and efficiency. Unlike traditional open-water farming, RAS involves raising fish in controlled environments on land, where water is continuously filtered while the waste can be reused, for example as fertilizer, a stable water quality is ensured. Moreover, this saves resources and reduces the impact on local water sources.
This allows for fish farming to take place close to major urban centers — like Beijing and Shanghai — ensuring fresher products with reduced transportation costs.
Norway’s Nordic Aqua Partners Leading the Way
One of the pioneers in this field is Nordic Aqua Partners, a Norwegian company that has leveraged its expertise in aquaculture to bring Atlantic salmon farming to China. The company has introduced its Nordic PureAtlantic salmon, which will be marketed under the "Pure Atlantic" brand in China. This move marks a significant shift in how salmon is supplied to the Chinese market — grown locally, rather than imported.
Nordic Aqua Partners has established the first large-scale land-based salmon farm in China, located on Gaotang Island, near Ningbo in eastern China. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to produce high-quality salmon while minimizing environmental waste, utilizing advanced RAS technology.
The Role of Advanced Processing Technology
The facility’s success is also heavily reliant on advanced fish processing technology. Nordic Aqua Partners has partnered with BAADER to enhance its production capabilities. BAADER’s technology is central to ensuring both animal welfare and product quality during the primary processing phase.
We chose BAADER because we care about fish welfare and quality
Ragnar Joensen, CEO of Nordic Aqua Partners AS
This helps us ensure food safety and quality – that’s why we chose BAADER 142 for our gutting process because it's known for perfect gutting results.
The BAADER 101 stunning and bleeding machine plays a crucial role in this process. It ensures that fish are humanely stunned, remaining unconscious until death so that they do not suffer. This not only prioritizes animal welfare but also leads to superior product quality, as stress during processing can negatively affect the texture and taste of the fish.
“We chose BAADER 142 for our gutting process because it's known for perfect results."
The BAADER 142 system further automates the gutting process, ensuring consistent quality and minimizing waste. This high-tech processing solution aligns with Nordic Aqua's vision of sustainable, efficient production with minimal environmental impact.
A New Chapter in Aquaculture
Nordic Aqua Partners’ venture into China represents a new chapter in the global aquaculture industry. By combining Norway’s longstanding expertise in salmon farming with cutting-edge RAS technology, the company is responding to growing demand while addressing environmental concerns. Land-based fish farming offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable seafood production, one where consumers can enjoy fresher products with a lower carbon footprint.
Through its innovative approach, the company is not only bringing premium Norwegian salmon to Chinese tables but also helping to shape the future of global seafood production.
