Firda Seafood to develop deep-sea rainbow trout farming project in China using closed-containment vessels.
Norway’s Firda Seafood Group plans to launch deep-sea rainbow trout farming in China, following talks with the Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute (FMIRI) of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences during the 28th China International Fisheries & Seafood Expo in Qingdao.
Chairman Ola Braanaas and CEO Lina Braanaas Utne led the Firda delegation, which reviewed China’s large-scale offshore aquaculture vessel technology, including the Guoxin No.1, a 100,000-tonne enclosed farming ship developed by FMIRI. Firda described the vessels as “world-leading” and confirmed plans to invest in a fleet of Chinese-designed, closed-containment ships for producing trout in Chinese waters.
The discussions focused on adapting the technology for seawater-phase rainbow trout, optimising onboard rearing systems, and ensuring precise environmental control. Firda and FMIRI signed a framework agreement to co-develop trout-specific tank hydraulics and feeding systems, with the first joint venture vessel expected in 2026 and initial commercial harvests projected for 2028.
Founded in 1986 and based in Flora on Norway’s west coast, Firda Seafood holds 14 sea-farm licences, operates four hatcheries, and runs a dedicated trout processing plant. Around 95 percent of its output is exported to Asia, North America, and Europe.
The Guoxin No.1 vessel features a self-propelled steel hull, dynamic positioning, 60,000 cubic metres of sealed rearing tanks, real-time AI water quality monitoring, and onboard slaughtering and storage facilities. It is designed to rear up to 4,000 tonnes of cold-water fish per year in offshore waters 50–130 kilometres from the coast.
Firda said the collaboration combines Norwegian aquaculture genetics with Chinese engineering to establish a new standard for sustainable, high-volume offshore trout farming.
