Aquafarm Equipment moves into assembly phase on NEOM closed containment project.
Aquafarm Equipment has begun on site work on its first major international project in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM development, after the initial components of its closed containment system arrived at the Port of NEOM.
With the site secured and groundwork under way, the Norwegian technology supplier is moving into full assembly and preparation for operations on a land and sea based facility that will be run for three years before handover to client Topian.
“The elements were unloaded last week, and we are now setting up site offices, fencing the area and preparing the foundations for assembly,” said project manager Martin Ramstad, who is due to arrive on site to oversee operations. “If everything runs smoothly, we will start lamination within a few weeks.”
Aquafarm Equipment is currently delivering closed containment systems in two contrasting environments, northern Norway and the Red Sea. Ramstad noted that there is roughly a 20 degree difference in air temperature between the projects, underscoring the requirement for stable, controlled production environments.
In NEOM, the company’s scope extends beyond cage supply to the construction and operation of a complete aquaculture facility, including an onshore base with operations offices, warehouse, power connections and a feed barge.
“In Norway, we deliver single Aquafarm units,” Ramstad said. “In NEOM, we are responsible for the full scale facility, from construction to operation. It is a big step for us as a company.”
Aquafarm Equipment plans to stock the first Yellowtail kingfish at the NEOM site in May or early summer 2026, subject to progress. The project is positioned by the company as a proof of concept for its closed containment technology in high temperature regions and a reference for potential contracts elsewhere in the Red Sea and in Asia.
