From far away it looks like a container ship stopped in the wrong spot. When you get closer you notice something odd. There are no cranes on board. There are no cabins either. No tourists stand at the railings looking out at the water. Instead the real activity happens deep underwater where hundreds of thousands of salmon swim in circles inside massive submerged cages. The vessel sits quietly on the surface while the fish move through their enclosed space below. The structure serves a specific purpose that becomes clear only when you understand what lies beneath the waterline. The salmon follow their patterns in the depths while the ship above remains still & functional in its unusual role. This setup represents a different approach to raising fish commercially. The design keeps the operation largely hidden from view at sea level. Most of the important work takes place in the underwater section where the salmon spend their time growing in the controlled environment. The surface vessel acts mainly as a support platform for the activities happening below.
A “ship” that never really sails
The structure carries a name reminiscent of a cargo ship: Havfarm 1. It measures an impressive 385 metres in length and 59.5 metres in width. However it remains almost stationary. Positioned roughly 5 kilometres from Hadseløya island in Norway’s Vesterålen archipelago it operates as a floating fish farm instead of a conventional vessel.
Greenland declares an emergency following unusual orca behavior close to thawing ice shelves
The steel structure extends over 30 metres underwater. It contains six round cages that are each about 50 metres across. These cages combined can hold as many as 10000 tonnes of salmon at once. This makes Havfarm possibly the biggest single offshore salmon farming facility ever constructed.
# Havfarm: The Industrial Ship That Carries Only Fish
Havfarm appears as an industrial vessel when detected on radar systems. However this unique structure does not transport human passengers or traditional cargo. Instead the only occupants aboard are fish. This innovative facility represents a new approach to aquaculture. The vessel operates as a floating fish farm designed to raise salmon in open ocean conditions. Unlike conventional coastal fish farms that remain anchored near shorelines, Havfarm ventures into deeper waters where environmental conditions prove more favorable for fish health and growth. The structure measures approximately 430 feet in length and can hold around 10,000 tons of fish. Its design allows it to withstand harsh ocean conditions while maintaining optimal living environments for the salmon inside. The facility includes advanced monitoring systems that track water quality and fish behavior continuously. Operating in open waters provides several advantages over traditional fish farming methods. The stronger ocean currents help maintain cleaner water conditions by dispersing waste products more effectively. The deeper water also offers more stable temperatures throughout the year, which benefits fish development and reduces stress on the population. The concept behind Havfarm emerged from the need to expand aquaculture production while minimizing environmental impact on coastal ecosystems. By moving fish farming operations away from sensitive shoreline areas, the facility reduces potential conflicts with other marine activities & coastal communities. The vessel contains multiple levels of fish pens arranged within its hull. Automated feeding systems distribute food at scheduled intervals, while sensors monitor consumption rates and adjust portions accordingly. This technology helps optimize feed efficiency and reduces waste. Staff members live aboard the facility during operational periods to manage daily operations and maintain equipment. Their responsibilities include monitoring fish health, maintaining water quality systems, & ensuring all mechanical components function properly. The project demonstrates how maritime engineering and aquaculture technology can combine to create sustainable food production systems. As global demand for seafood continues to increase, innovations like Havfarm may become more common in addressing food security challenges while protecting marine environments.
The sea here is rougher & more exposed than the sheltered fjords that most people think of when they picture Norwegian fish farming. That is exactly the idea. Norway’s traditional salmon farms are nearly full with stricter environmental regulations and not much space left. Moving farms offshore provides more room and stronger currents and cooler cleaner water but it also requires tougher engineering.
Built like an offshore platform, run like a factory
Havfarm was created by salmon producer Nordlaks & designed with Norwegian naval architecture firm NSK Ship Design. From a technical standpoint it exists somewhere between a semi-submersible oil platform & an oversized catamaran. The structure stays fixed in one location but can handle open-ocean conditions.
The farm can handle waves that reach heights of up to 10 metres. When severe weather arrives the platform sections can be lifted higher to prevent damage from rough seas. Under the deck there are rails that stretch along the entire structure. Automated trolleys move along these rails and take care of many regular tasks that small service boats used to perform.
- Feeding systems deliver pellets directly to each cage.
- Cameras and sensors monitor fish behaviour, growth and health.
- Robotic equipment manages nets and cleans gear.
Power comes through a cable from the shore which reduces the amount of fuel needed at sea. A hybrid wellboat pulls up next to the facility to transfer salmon in and out or take them to processing plants. These specialized vessels carry live fish in tanks built into their hulls.
The farm reduces emissions & operating risks by moving work away from diesel boats toward shore-powered systems and rail-mounted robots.
Why go offshore for salmon?
Norway leads the world in farmed salmon exports but the industry continues to deal with three ongoing challenges that include environmental restrictions pushback from local communities & increasing market demand. Farms located close to shore can create concentrated areas of waste and parasites in confined water systems while people living nearby raise concerns about how the facilities look and the additional traffic they generate.
Offshore locations provide faster water currents that spread out organic waste more effectively. They also maintain steadier temperatures and contain higher oxygen levels. These conditions should allow for raising more fish while causing less damage to the immediate environment. Havfarm represents one of the boldest efforts to prove this concept works on a large scale.
The next step: Havfarm 2 that can move itself
Nordlaks is working on plans for an updated model called Havfarm 2. The original Havfarm 1 stays attached to the ocean floor. The new version will work differently by moving slowly like a ship & changing its position when wind and waves affect it.
A farm with its own propulsion
# The planned upgrades rely on technologies borrowed from offshore service ships
The planned upgrades use technologies that come from offshore service ships. These improvements take advantage of systems that have already proven themselves in demanding marine environments. Offshore vessels operate in some of the harshest conditions at sea and require reliable equipment that can function continuously without failure. The technology developed for these ships includes advanced positioning systems and power management solutions that maintain stability even in rough waters. By adapting these existing technologies rather than developing new ones from scratch the upgrade process becomes more efficient and cost-effective. The offshore industry has spent decades refining these systems to meet strict safety standards and operational requirements. This means the technology has already undergone extensive testing in real-world conditions. The transfer of technology from offshore service vessels to other maritime applications makes practical sense. These ships already use dynamic positioning systems that allow them to maintain their exact location without anchors. They also employ sophisticated automation systems that reduce the need for manual intervention during operations. Power systems from offshore vessels are particularly valuable because they are designed to handle variable loads and maintain consistent output. The electrical systems can switch between different power sources seamlessly and provide backup options when needed. This redundancy ensures that critical systems remain operational even if one component fails. Communication and monitoring systems from offshore ships also offer significant advantages. These systems provide real-time data about vessel performance and environmental conditions. Operators can track multiple parameters simultaneously and respond quickly to any changes that might affect operations. The mechanical systems used on offshore service ships are built to withstand constant stress & corrosion from saltwater exposure. Materials and coatings developed for these harsh environments last longer and require less maintenance than standard marine equipment. This durability translates directly into lower operating costs over the lifetime of the vessel.
- Azimuth thrusters from Rolls-Royce (TT1100 units), which can rotate 360 degrees to push the structure in any direction.
- Dynamic positioning (DP), a computer-controlled system that uses thrusters and sensors to maintain a set heading or hold position.
- Single-point mooring, allowing Havfarm 2 to rotate calmly around one anchor rather than dragging across the seabed.
The rotation is important for the health of both the fish and the ocean floor. When the farm turns slowly it distributes organic waste over a much larger area rather than letting it pile up beneath a single cage. This approach reduces damage to the seabed in any one spot & stops large dead zones from developing.
The Havfarm 2 uses dynamic positioning and controlled rotation to function like a massive weather vane that constantly adjusts to face the optimal angle toward the sea. This design allows the structure to automatically orient itself in response to changing ocean conditions. The system maintains its position while rotating to minimize stress from waves and currents. By turning to meet the water at the most favorable angle the facility reduces resistance & improves stability. The technology enables the platform to adapt continuously without manual intervention, ensuring it remains properly aligned regardless of weather patterns or sea state changes.
Engineers are working on a new system that would let the next unit move to a different location when conditions get too harsh. It could shift several kilometers away from dangerous storms or toxic algal blooms. This development would bring aquaculture closer to the idea of independent roaming farms that track and follow good ocean conditions. The technology aims to create mobile farming operations that can respond to their environment. These units would operate on their own & travel to areas where the water quality & weather are better for raising fish or other marine life. By avoiding hazardous conditions the farms could maintain healthier stock and reduce losses from environmental threats.
A floating lab for “cleaner” aquaculture
Beyond its massive size Havfarm works as a testing ground for lowering the environmental impact of salmon farming. One of the biggest problems in Nordic aquaculture is the sea louse. This tiny parasite feeds on the skin and mucus of salmon and causes stress along with infections and financial losses.
Traditional fish farms usually depend on chemical treatments or warm water baths to control lice. These methods can damage both the health of the fish and the environment around them. Havfarm uses a different approach with metal skirts that hang around the cages and reach about 10 metres below the water surface. The skirts work as a barrier because sea lice typically stay in the upper layers of the ocean. By blocking this zone the system helps keep lice away from the salmon without using chemicals or stressful treatments. This design protects the fish while also reducing the impact on marine ecosystems. The metal barriers represent a shift toward more sustainable aquaculture practices. Instead of fighting parasites with substances that can accumulate in the environment or cause resistance over time the physical barrier offers a passive defense. Fish farmers can maintain healthier stocks while minimizing their ecological footprint. This method also reduces the need for handling the fish repeatedly. Traditional delousing often requires moving salmon through treatment systems which causes stress & can lead to injuries or disease. The skirt system allows the fish to grow in a more stable environment with fewer disruptions to their normal behavior.
Most sea lice live and spread near the water surface. The skirts block this top layer around the cages and work as a physical barrier. This approach significantly reduces lice exposure without using any medication.
The steel skirts function as underwater barriers that help protect the salmon from the most severe parasite exposure.
Nordlaks is combining this approach with other strategies. The company raises larger smolts which are juvenile salmon that get transferred to the ocean at a later stage of development. These bigger and stronger fish require less time in open water which decreases the window during which they might become infected with parasites.
The company’s wellboat fleet is shifting to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel rather than traditional marine diesel. This change does not eliminate carbon emissions entirely but it does reduce CO₂ output and air pollution when compared to older ships.
Norwegian regulators as backers, not just referees
Norway views offshore aquaculture as a key strategic investment. The government wants to promote innovation and has created special research and development licenses for projects such as Havfarm. While these licenses typically come with significant expenses experimental initiatives receive them under better conditions while they are in the testing stage.
If operators meet agreed sustainability and performance targets they can convert those R&D licenses to commercial permits at reduced prices. That gives companies a strong financial reason to develop farms that use less space in fjords while cutting pollution and improving fish welfare. The system creates clear incentives for operators to invest in better technology and farming methods. Companies that demonstrate they can run cleaner operations with healthier fish get rewarded with lower costs when they scale up to full commercial production. This approach encourages innovation in the aquaculture sector by making it financially attractive to test new solutions. Operators have motivation to experiment with designs that minimize environmental impact and maximize animal welfare because success leads to tangible economic benefits. The conversion process from research licenses to commercial permits at discounted rates effectively subsidizes responsible development. It helps offset the initial costs & risks associated with trying unproven methods or equipment in real-world conditions.
Regulators are telling companies to demonstrate that their offshore concept functions properly & in return they will receive more affordable long-term access to production facilities. This approach creates a clear incentive structure where operators must validate their technological solutions before gaining economic benefits. The regulatory framework establishes a direct connection between proven performance and reduced operational costs over extended periods. Companies face a straightforward proposition. They need to show their offshore designs can operate reliably in real-world conditions. Once they provide this evidence the regulators grant them favorable terms for ongoing production activities. This system benefits both parties involved. Regulators gain confidence that offshore operations meet safety and efficiency standards. Companies that successfully prove their concepts enjoy lower costs which improves their competitive position & project economics. The arrangement shifts risk appropriately. Unproven technologies must first demonstrate viability before receiving preferential treatment. This protects against premature deployment of unreliable systems while rewarding innovation that delivers results. Operators who invest in developing and testing robust offshore concepts stand to gain significant advantages. The reduced access costs can make marginal projects economically viable and improve returns on successful ventures. This regulatory stance encourages responsible innovation in the offshore sector. It pushes companies to focus on solutions that work rather than untested ideas. The promise of long-term cost savings motivates thorough development & rigorous testing before full-scale deployment.
Industry representatives say that these programs can move Norway’s salmon farming operations away from the coast without just creating the same issues that exist in nearshore areas.
Life on a giant, silent farm
Havfarm 1 started working in 2020 & has been operating steadily near Ytre Hadseløya ever since. When the weather is calm just a few workers stay on the facility. The majority of oversight happens from control centers on shore where staff members observe real-time video from underwater cameras and monitoring equipment.
Output has remained near the design capacity of 10000 tonnes of salmon for each production cycle. Nordlaks reports less pressure from sea lice and fewer disease events. The company also needs fewer service boats compared with its traditional sites. The constant flushing by open-ocean currents helps disperse waste. This reduces pressure on the fjords that previously hosted these fish.
How Havfarm compares to a classic salmon site
| Aspect | Havfarm | Conventional farm |
| Location | Open sea, about 5 km offshore | Sheltered fjords or bays |
| Structure | Semi-immersed steel platform | Plastic floating rings and nets |
| Typical capacity | Up to 10,000 tonnes of salmon | Roughly 1,000–3,000 tonnes |
| Wave tolerance | Up to 10 m waves | Usually 2–4 m waves |
| Fish health tools | Steel skirts, automation, offshore currents | Medications, treatments, limited flushing |
| Mobility | Future units with thrusters and DP | Fixed moorings only |
What “tonnes of salmon” really means for your plate
A capacity of 10000 tonnes might seem like just a number. To put it in perspective, one tonne of salmon fillets provides enough fish for several thousand meals. This means a single production cycle from Havfarm 1 produces tens of millions of salmon portions that end up in supermarkets and restaurants around the world.
That scale becomes important as people choose to eat more seafood instead of meat. Offshore farms like Havfarm determine how this growing demand gets satisfied. The choice is between crowded coastal production that creates bigger problems in local areas or larger advanced facilities that move the effects farther out into the ocean while creating new concerns about how we use ocean space.
Key terms that help make sense of Havfarm
# Technical Terms Used in This Project
This project uses several technical phrases that appear throughout the documentation.
**Machine Learning Model** – A computer program that learns patterns from data & makes predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed for each task.
**Training Data** – The collection of examples used to teach the machine learning model. The model analyzes this data to identify patterns and relationships.
**Algorithm** – A set of step-by-step instructions that the computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
**Neural Network** – A type of machine learning model inspired by how the human brain works. It consists of interconnected nodes that process information in layers.
**Dataset** – An organized collection of data used for analysis or training purposes. It typically includes multiple examples with similar characteristics.
**Feature** – An individual measurable property or characteristic of the data being analyzed. Features serve as inputs for the machine learning model.
**Validation** – The process of testing the model on data it has not seen before to check how well it performs & whether it can generalize to new situations.
**Accuracy** – A measurement of how often the model makes correct predictions compared to the total number of predictions made.
**Overfitting** – A problem that occurs when a model learns the training data too well and performs poorly on new data because it memorized specific examples instead of learning general patterns.
**Parameter** – A value that the model adjusts during training to improve its performance. These values determine how the model processes input data.
- Smolt: a young salmon at the stage when it leaves freshwater rivers or tanks and enters the sea. Larger smolts tend to be hardier.
- Wellboat: a cargo vessel with internal tanks filled with seawater, used to transport live fish in controlled conditions.
- Dynamic positioning (DP): a system that uses thrusters, GPS and motion sensors to keep a floating structure in a chosen spot or heading.
- Sea lice: small parasitic crustaceans that attach to salmon skin, a major welfare and economic issue in fish farming.
Understanding these terms helps explain why engineers spend so much time working on something as basic as a rounded edge on a metal plate.
Risks, trade-offs and what comes next
Offshore fish farming does not solve all problems. When farms move further from the coast they create less pollution in delicate fjords but they also bring intensive farming operations into cleaner ocean waters. Fish that escape from big offshore facilities might harm wild salmon populations across large regions. Equipment breakdowns at sea are more difficult to repair particularly during winter storms in Arctic waters.
Strong currents & larger engineered platforms provide operators with better tools to control disease and manage waste while protecting workers. If projects like Havfarm 2 can successfully move their position during algal blooms or storms they may be able to prevent the mass mortality events that sometimes occur at sites closer to the coast.
Countries from Scandinavia to Asia are watching that single ship near Hadseløya. The vessel looks like it belongs to global shipping but the work happening on board is different. It is an experiment in producing more protein at sea while causing less damage near the coast. The project tests whether offshore operations can reduce the environmental problems that come with traditional coastal fish farming. Observers want to see if this approach can work on a larger scale and whether it makes economic sense for the industry.
