Bakkafrost has officially opened its new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility at Applecross in Scotland, with Princess Anne attending the site to mark the launch of what the company said is the UK’s largest RAS operation.
The Faroese salmon farmer said the facility forms part of its “one summer at sea” production strategy, under which salmon remain longer in controlled freshwater conditions before transfer to marine sites as larger smolt.
According to Bakkafrost, the approach has the potential to improve survival rates, reduce biological challenges and make more efficient use of resources.
“We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to officially open our Applecross RAS,” the company said in a LinkedIn post published Thursday.
The company said the Princess Royal met staff during the visit and was briefed on how the facility’s technology is intended to improve fish welfare, reduce environmental impact and support rural employment.
Applecross employs around 40 staff across biological, veterinary, engineering, technical and energy-related roles, according to Bakkafrost.
The site uses recirculating aquaculture technology to maintain greater control over water quality, temperature and flow. Bakkafrost said the system continuously recirculates water through filtration, oxygenation, disinfection and biofilter systems, reducing water consumption compared with conventional hatcheries.
The project also includes a pyrolysis system designed to convert sludge from the RAS process into biochar fertiliser.
Bakkafrost described the facility as a long-term investment in Scottish salmon farming, renewable energy and regional supply chains.