New facility is on schedule to open next year, creating approximately 15 jobs.
Aquaculture supplier Vónin Scotland’s has begun construction on the company’s new net service station adjacent to Mowi’s feed plant in Kyleakin, Skye, marking significant progress in the £3.2 million project.
The state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to the maintenance of fish farming equipment, including washing, repairing, antifouling, coating, and drying of nets, is set to become a cornerstone of Vónin’s operations.
Equipped with large washing drums capable of handling nets up to 200 meters, the station also caters to the servicing of lice skirts.
Vónin, headquartered in the Faroe Islands, has placed an emphasis on environmental responsibility in the design of the 2,500m² Kyleakin station. The facility will utilize green energy for heating, boasting enhanced insulation to reduce its energy footprint.
In a bid for sustainability, the station plans to convert biofouling from washed nets into biogas, generating electricity and heat for on-site use or grid distribution.
With the Scottish Government meeting £955,000 of the total cost, the new facility complements the company’s existing stations in Scalloway and Scalpay.
Strategically positioned to serve customers, the station’s accessibility by road and sea minimizes long-distance transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions and aligning with Vónin’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
The conception of the Kyleakin service station began two years ago, and with construction underway, the facility is slated to commence operations next year, creating approximately 15 jobs.
“As Vónin Scotland expands its footprint with the Kyleakin station, it continues to set industry standards for innovation and sustainability. The facility is not just a boost for Vónin but a significant advancement for the Scottish salmon farming industry, promising a greener, more efficient future,” a spokesperson for the company said.
