On June 12, the Aquaculture Report was adopted by the Norwegian Parliament. At Bluegreen, one part of the decision stands out: An incentive scheme for using closed containment technology in red zones is finally becoming a reality.
That means fish farmers operating in red zones — areas with high sea lice pressure — can now restore previously reduced production capacity, as long as they use technology that prevents sea lice emissions. For us at Bluegreen, who develop and build closed containment systems, this is a long-awaited milestone.
“This is a breakthrough for the industry. Finally, we have a scheme that rewards a lower environmental footprint and gives our customers both the confidence and the incentive to adopt new and more costly technology,” says Nils-Johan Tufte, CEO of Bluegreen, adding:
“We hope this positive development continues, with stronger policy instruments also for areas outside the red zones.”
At Bluegreen, we’ve been developing and delivering closed aquaculture systems ever since our start in 2020. The technology has matured quickly, and full-scale tests show excellent results — both technically and biologically. At the same time, we’ve long called for policy instruments to help accelerate adoption at scale.
Read more: Only 0.8% fish mortality
The adoption of a technology-neutral environmental technology scheme is therefore a long-awaited starting signal. When it comes into effect in the autumn of 2025, it will allow farmers to use previously withdrawn production capacity — provided that the systems emit no sea lice. In other words: When traditional open pens must remain fallow due to lice outbreaks, production can continue in closed, zero-emission systems without paying for new licenses.
This opens the door to a new era in aquaculture — and we at Bluegreen are ready to deliver the solutions.
“This is the start we’ve been waiting for. It gives predictability for further development and industrialization — and makes it possible for more operators to invest already in 2025, not five years from now,” says Geir Andresen, Commercial Director at Bluegreen.
Bluegreen’s proprietary Marine Donut is a floating, closed containment system made of solid and recyclable thermoplastic. The first full-scale test was conducted in 2024, showing low mortality, efficient logistics, no lice issues, and strong growth. The second production cycle is now underway — with 185,000 salmon inside the 22,000 m³ facility.
In parallel, we are building several FishGlobe units on behalf of FishGlobe Technologies — including a giant system with a volume of 30,000 m³.
Read more: Building three FishGlobes — simultaniously
The decision in Parliament confirms that focused, long-term work toward more sustainable aquaculture pays off.
“Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and deliver. At Bluegreen, we’re ready,” says Tufte.
