50 years with quality pens
Written by
Anne Oma
For over 50 years, AKVA group has produced fish pens in Norway that combine innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility. Polarcirkel pens are built to withstand the toughest conditions, ensuring maximum safety and durability in challenging environments.
The pens are made from high-quality polyethylene, a material known for its strength and flexibility. They are robust and designed to meet modern standards for both fish welfare and environmental considerations.
“Our solutions are based on extensive experience, ensuring that fish farmers can rely on the pens to perform optimally under all weather conditions, and that they can be tailored to specific needs and locations,” says Jøran Strand, Sales Manager at AKVA group.
AKVA group offers customized solutions, making it possible to meet everything from general needs to highly specific requirements. This provides fish farmers with flexibility and peace of mind.
50 years of innovation
Steinar Olaisen and Hans Petter Meland came up with the idea of a plastic fish pen made from PE plastic, which was developed in close collaboration with Helgeland Plast. In February 1974, the prototype was delivered and tested at Lovund Sjøprodukter, a company owned by Meland and Olaisen. This marked the beginning of a revolution in the aquaculture industry. Helgeland Plast, which later became part of AKVA group, produced the pen. Both Lovundlaks and Nova Sea, which later emerged from this company, have played crucial roles in bringing this technology to a global market.
Since then, AKVA group has continuously developed the pen to meet the industry’s strict demands for quality, safety, and sustainability. The transition from virgin plastic to recycled materials reflects AKVA group’s commitment to innovation while preserving their roots in tradition and quality.
From left: Hans Petter Meland in Bodø, autumn 1973, and on the right, Steinar Olaisen in 1974 with the first pen delivered to Lovund Sjøprodukter in February 1974.
Freddy Bakken Braseth. Photo: AKVA group.
“We are proud of our history and what we have achieved. Reducing the use of virgin plastic is crucial for minimizing the carbon footprint and promoting circular value chains,” says Freddy Bakken Braseth, General Manager at AKVA group, Mo i Rana.
Health, safety, and sustainability
With wide walkways and sturdy railings, farmers can move around with greater freedom and safety, creating a safer workplace. Additionally, safety ladders are provided, which are mounted on the walkways to ensure that anyone who falls into the sea can climb back up in all weather conditions.
AKVA group is continuously working to make the fish pens more sustainable. The polystyrene has been removed, and the walkways are made from recycled materials. The company will continue to focus on reuse and has already launched the world's first fish pen made from 100 percent recycled materials.
Fish pen produced by AKVA group. Photo: AKVA group.
“With wide walkways and sturdy railings, fish farmers can move around with greater freedom and security, creating a safer workplace,” says Jøran Strand.
Innovation in environmental sustainability – recycled plastic
AKVA group’s focus on recycled plastic is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. Through collaboration with companies like Plasto and Oceanize, AKVA group ensures that the plastic used in production meets the quality standards required by the aquaculture industry.
Granulated plastic: Granulation is a process where plastic is cut into small pieces, called granulate, which is then used as raw material in the production of new plastic products. Photo: Oceanize.
“By establishing national value chains for recycling plastic fish pens, we reduce CO2 emissions from production by two-thirds,” explains Strand.
The process takes place domestically, further reducing the environmental impact. By granulating used plastic into new raw material, a closed loop is created, giving the plastic an “eternal life.”
Production of recycled pen pipes at AKVA group in Mo i Rana. Photo: AKVA group.
Did you know the boats are made in the same place?
AKVA group also produces workboats on Helgeland, following the same principles of quality and sustainability.
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AKVA group can produce workboat hulls made from climate-neutral plastic. Photo: AKVA group.
By consolidating the production of both fish pens and boats at the same location, AKVA group, together with its customers, can optimize resource usage and ensure that the products meet the highest standards of safety and environmental friendliness.
"It is a great advantage that production takes place in Norway. This gives us the ability to have full control over the process and meet the strictest safety and environmental requirements," says Strand.