Mowi reports feed efficiency gains from Fort William remote operations centre
Mowi says its first Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Fort William has delivered measurable improvements in feed efficiency and growth performance across a number of Scottish seawater farm sites during its first full year of operation in 2025.
The ROC, which became operational in June 2024, provides centralised monitoring and control of feeding at seawater farms, allowing sites to be fed remotely during periods of poor weather and outside normal working hours. The centre now monitors 18 sites and is staffed by 12 employees working across two shift rotations, with additional hires made in May 2025 to expand analytical and training capacity.
Mowi reported that several sites supported by the ROC achieved their lowest recorded biological feed conversion ratios (bFCR) during 2025:
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Gorsten: 0.98 bFCR
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Poll na Gille: 1.06 bFCR
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Bagh Dail Nan Cean (including Port na Cro): 1.09 bFCR
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South West Shuna: 1.07 bFCR
The company said all four sites also recorded relative growth index (RGI) above 100% and survival above 85%.
During 2025, Mowi trialled pellet-recognition software using artificial intelligence from AKVA group, before rolling the system out across all ROC-supported sites in October. The company said the software supports feeders in determining when to stop feeding, with the aim of reducing waste and improving growth consistency.
Allan Murdoch, who oversees the Fort William ROC, said the operation had faced challenges including connectivity reliability, differences in stocking densities and variation in fish appetite between sites, but described the early performance as encouraging.
Following the Fort William rollout, Mowi has established a second ROC in Stornoway to support sites in the Western Isles and Skye. The company said the facility is in an early phase of operation, with performance expectations focused on 2026.