The ongoing debate in Norway about the potential environmental impact from current methods used to fight sea lice, is another reason why Nordlaks purchased two new fish carriers.
“Technology development means that we get to choose out of range of solutions the ones that can be efficient both for the environment and the business at the same time,” said Nordlaks CEO, Erik Welde.
In cooperation with NSK Ship Design, the Norwegian NOx Fund and governmental funding agency Enova, Nordlaks has chosen to invest in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an energy source for the live fish carriers, also accompanied with a large battery pack and a shore electrical power connection.
“With the transition to liquefied natural gas and shore power also for the live fish carriers, the conversion to more environmentally friendly energy source is becoming substantial,” Welde continued.
The use of battery packs, shore power and LED lights will save the environment 1864 tonnes of CO2 per year by each of the two new live fish carriers.
The governmental funding agency Enova supports the project with more than €4m (NOK 3.1m).
“Evona is working for new energy and climate technologies to be developed and put in place so Norway can become a low-emission society. This relies on players like Nordlaks who are willing to lead the way. Battery solutions at sea are one of the necessary changes we must see in the transport sector whilst the aquaculture industry also has a great potential for cutting disel consumption,” said Øyvind Leistad, Marketing and Development Director in Enova.
The use of gas engines will give a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to diesel engines. The use of liquefied natural gas will also provide a 90% reduction of the emissions of the NOx.