Welding prefabricated components and large plastic structures has long been one of our core competencies. Now, we’ve taken a step further by starting our own production of plastic panels.
These plastic panels are our own design, developed to reduce both weight and costs, while improving design and quality.
"Our new plastic panels are strong, airtight, lightweight, and environmentally friendly," says Ida Nilsen, foreman at Bluegreen and head of panel production.
The panels will be used in the construction of three large floating closed fish farming facilities for FishGlobe. They are made from high-quality HDPE sheets from Agru, which are milled to the desired size before being welded together.
“The largest panels are 5 x 14 meters and weigh between 2 and 3 tons,” adds Nilsen.
All panels undergo thorough pressure testing to ensure they are 100% airtight and meet the operational specifications for FishGlobe. The results from the pressure tests are also used to continuously improve and optimize the panels.
Production is in full swing, and the first half of the technical deck for FishGlobe's 10K facility (10,000 m³) has already been completed. Work on the second half is also nearing completion before the team begins producing the technical deck for the 3.5K facility (3,500 m³).
"FishGlobe's partner Icon will handle the technical installation. Therefore, we prioritized completing the technical deck first, so they can begin their work as early as possible and work in parallel with our production of the fish volume," Nilsen explains.
According to the project plan, both the 10K and 3.5K facilities are expected to be ready for launch before the summer of 2025. Once the panels for these facilities are completed, we will begin production of the panels for the massive 30K unit, which has a volume of 30,000 m³.
Read more: Building Three FishGlobes Simultaneously
“The panels for 30K will be produced using the same method but will, of course, require larger and significantly more panels,” Nilsen adds.
The production process is now well underway, with a clear division of labor within the production team.
“We’ve assembled specialized teams, each focusing on different parts of the production. We have a ‘welding team’ handling the welding and a ‘bonding team’ responsible for assembly, and so on. This division of labor ensures an efficient production flow,” explains Nilsen.
She also highlights the importance of new, skilled employees. "Our newly hired project engineer, Frikk, is a great help, especially when I need drawings, and Mats and Egidijus, both certified carpenters, are quickly learning the plastic trade. A multidisciplinary background brings new perspectives and enhances the team's expertise. I am very pleased," she concludes.
Read more: Newly Hired Project Engineer Triggered by a Small Company in Strong Growth
