“We have chosen MMC First Process as our system supplier. They offer unique expertise and technology that support our ambitions for fish welfare during both handling and fish logistics, says Jón Kjartan Jónsson, CEO of Samherji Fiskeldi.
MMC First Process has entered into a significant contract with Samherji Fiskeldi for the delivery of a fish logistics system to the new land-based aquaculture facility Eldisgarður, currently under construction in Reykjanes. Once fully developed, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of salmon. The contract marks an important milestone in the development of next-generation land-based salmon farming in Iceland.
“We have chosen MMC First Process as our system supplier. They offer unique expertise and technology that support our ambitions for fish welfare during both handling and fish logistics. They have been entrusted with full system responsibility and are a key contributor to the fish logistics solutions. This has been crucial for us,” says Jón Kjartan Jónsson, CEO of Samherji Fiskeldi.
“This project clearly signals that the industry is moving towards more sustainable and technologically advanced production methods. We are proud to contribute with our expertise and solutions to such a forward-looking facility,” says Børre Haanes Waagan, Sales Manager for Land-based Aquaculture at MMC First Process.
About the Delivery
MMC First Process, a leading supplier of technology and equipment to the aquaculture industry, will deliver a complete fish logistics system to Eldisgarður. The delivery includes a range of proprietary products and solutions, such as automation, sorting machines, fish pumps, and systems for full-water transport of live fish. In addition, MMC First Process will supply its own components that connect the fish-conveying pipes throughout the facility. The delivery also includes equipment from MMC First Process’ subcontractors, integrated into the complete architectural solution.
Fish Welfare Technology
The delivery includes, among other things, three AQU Gentle Pumps.
“This pump technology was chosen because it is outstanding in terms of fish welfare,” says Børre Waagan.
Samherji Fiskeldi has already tested and used this new type of fish pump at its land-based aquaculture facility in Öxarfjörður, north of Akureyri in Iceland. According to Waagan, the technology has proven to elevate fish welfare during handling to a new level.
“We have used a pilot version of the pump for an extended period, and together with MMC First Process, we have documented that this pumping technology provides the best fish welfare we have experienced so far when handling live fish,” concludes Jón Kjartan Jónsson of Samherji.
Proud System Supplier
“We have worked together on this project for several years, so we are very pleased to have been chosen as the system supplier with such extensive responsibility, where fish welfare is the core,” says Frank Edvard Vike CSO - Handling of MMC First Process. “We are grateful for the trust, aiming for the first half of 2027, and look forward to continued good cooperation,” Vike concludes.
Foto fv; Birkir Baldvinsson, Andreas Isaksen, Frank Edvard Vike, Jon Kjartan Jonsson, Thorsteinn Mar Baldvinsson, Børre Haanes Waagan.
About the Eldisgarður Project and Samherji
The project is part of the initiative for more sustainable food production, aiming to reduce environmental impact and ensure high traceability throughout the value chain. When fully operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of salmon. It is being built in Reykjanes, south of Reykjavik, and is expected to be operational during the first half of 2027.
Samherji Fiskeldi has operated within land-based aquaculture for more than 20 years and covers the entire value chain—from hatching and juvenile production to grow-out facilities, processing, marketing, and sales of final products.
About MMC First Process
MMC First Process is a company that has advanced the seafood industry through knowledge transfer across multiple market segments and a series of evolutions for 40 years. We offer complete and sustainable systems for seafood handling and processing worldwide. By developing new technology, we enable our customers to operate more sustainably.
Our goal is to make our customers the best in the world at sustainable handling of the ocean’s most important food resources. We make this possible through close collaboration, strong commitment, and a sense of responsibility.
