Nestled in Rørvik, on the border between Central and Northern Norway, Svaberget Smolt is setting new standards in sustainable aquaculture. Located just an hour’s journey from the parent companies Emilsen Fisk and SinkabergHansen (SBH), this advanced, land-based facility leverages cutting-edge RAS technology (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) and Philips lighting solutions to nurture salmon from egg to smolt with remarkable precision.
Since beginning operations in April 2021, Svaberget Smolt has been producing up to 2,000 tons annually, raising salmon from tiny eggs to robust smolt weighing between 100 and 500 grams. These smolt are later transferred to open or closed sea cages, continuing their journey until they are ready for market. SinkabergHansen and Emilsen Fisk oversee the full lifecycle—from egg to slaughter—processing their harvest at their own facilities nearby, delivering vacuum-sealed, high-quality salmon to markets mainly in Northern Europe, with additional exports to Asia and the US through their partner, Lerøy Seafood.
One of the most vital elements at Svaberget Smolt is lighting. As Elling M. Bøkestad, Group Manager for Hatchery Fish at SBH, explains:
“The advantage of this system is that we give the fish the right lighting intensity at all times – the lighting solution and control system allow us to control the timing of smoltification in a safe manner.”
Understanding the natural relationship between salmon and light cycles is key to managing their development. Smoltification—the process by which young salmon adapt from freshwater to saltwater environments—can be precisely timed through careful control of lighting conditions.
To meet these needs, Svaberget Smolt partnered with Signify to design a custom aquaculture lighting solution using Philips Aquaculture LED technology. Installed between June 2021 and March 2022, the system provides:
The system can dim down to just 0.3% brightness without flickering, giving Svaberget Smolt total control over fish behavior and growth rates.
Solution for the future
While the current lighting programs have already proven effective, Bøkestad notes that Svaberget Smolt has not yet tapped the full potential of their lighting system:
“We are satisfied with the solution, but we want to use even more of the advanced functions available. Our goal is to establish an optimal setup for every stage of the salmon's development.”
By fine-tuning light levels and schedules based on biological needs, Svaberget Smolt aims to enhance fish welfare, maximize growth, and contribute to more sustainable and profitable aquaculture operations.
Contact our team to learn how tailored lighting solutions can help your aqua operation thrive.