Hofseth International has launched a new submersible aquaculture concept, Havliljen (sea lily), as part of its technology development programme.
The steel-constructed cage, measuring 62 metres in diameter, has been awarded two development licences. Approval was originally granted by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries on 14 May 2020. Hofseth is the majority owner of technology company Nekst AS, which is involved in the project.
Havliljen was built by BAUTA Maritime at Havila’s yard in Hjørungavåg and was launched on Sunday. It will be towed to Hofseth’s Vindsnes site in Storfjorden, where it will be deployed for salmon production.
The structure is designed to be lowered to around 15 metres below the surface using a hydraulic winch connected to a 270-tonne bottom weight. By operating the cage at depth, fish remain in waters where sea lice pressure is typically lower, potentially reducing infestations and the need for handling and treatment.
A central feature of the concept is the winch system, which allows controlled lowering and raising of the cage. The company said this provides greater stability, improved operational control and reduced exposure to weather and surface conditions.
Project director Ole Nordal said the development licences enable the company to test new technology at full scale.
“The development licences allow us to test new technology at full scale and contribute to more sustainable growth in the industry. These are high-risk solutions that require significant investment, but they can provide important answers on how we can adopt new technology and reduce sea lice pressure. The knowledge we gain will be shared with the industry, which is a clear condition of the licence,” he said.
Nordal added that Hofseth has already gained experience with commercial deep operations at its Bugane site in Storfjorden, and that Havliljen represents the next step by testing a new construction solution based on different technical principles.
Between 20 and 30 companies have supplied the project, including BAUTA Maritime, Hareid Group and Rørtek. The project involves significant investment in prototype and full-scale development, industrial design and test production.
