Auto net cleaner, smolt sexer, and greener packaging on award shortlist
Finalists chosen from record entry for Aqua Nor innovation prize
An autonomous fish pen net cleaner, an automated solution for gender sorting and health screening of salmon smolts, and a reusable packaging solution for the seafood industry have been shortlisted for the Innovation Award that will be presented at the AquaNor trade show in Trondheim, Norway, in August.
The finalists – chosen from a record-high entry – are UltraAQ AS, Greenfox Marine AS, and Circmar AS.
UltraAQ AS has developed an autonomous net washer that operates fully independently without an umbilical. The washer automatically starts from the charging position, cleans the net, and returns to the charging station for recharging and data exchange.
Once recharged, the net washer automatically resumes cleaning from where it left off. This continuous cleaning solution results in minimal fouling, good water flow, minimal pollution, and reduced stress for the fish during cleaning operations. The solution has been successfully tested in pilot facilities.
Greenfox Marine has developed an automated technology for gender sorting and comprehensive health screening of salmon smolts, using ultrasound and artificial intelligence (AI). The technology is seamlessly integrated into existing vaccination lines and enables simultaneous sorting by both gender and various health parameters – all in one efficient and fast process.
Circmar AS has developed an innovative and sustainable packaging solution intended to replace the current single-use packaging model for packing and transport. The solution includes collapsible and reusable fish crates, reusable pallets, sensors for tracking and monitoring crates and pallets, as well as a complete system for return, disinfection, and cleaning.
Over time, this solution can replace the current model using expanded polystyrene boxes and wooden pallets, offering a more sustainable concept where reusable packaging is delivered as a service.
The jury, comprising four people from Hofseth International AS, Innovation Norway, research funder FHF, and Aqua Nor organiser the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, has recommended Greenfox Marine as the winner, but the final decision is in the hands of the board of the Nor-Fishing Foundation.
Previous winners of the award have included Dundee-based Ace Aquatec in 2017 for its in-water fish stunner that renders fish unconscious before slaughter, and the Scotland-based Benchmark Animal Health team who developed the CleanTreat filtration system used to remove medicine residues from water used for salmon lice treatments.
