At Salmon Evolution in Indre Harøy, Cflow delivers a customized fish logistics system for construction phase 2 – developed in close collaboration between engineers, biologists, and the customer.
When land-based aquaculture meets high-tech precision, fish welfare and operational control take center stage.
When land-based aquaculture meets high-tech precision, fish welfare and operational control take center stage. At Salmon Evolution in Indre Harøy, Cflow delivers a customized fish logistics system for construction phase 2 – developed in close collaboration between engineers,biologists, and the customer.
The goal is crystal clear: To ensure safe and gentle transfer of fish – with maximum control and minimal risk.
“Every stage of fish handling matters,” says Ali Mushtaq, Head of Fish Logistics at Salmon Evolution. “We have high standards for how the fish is handled, and fish welfare is a core priority. That’s why everything must function optimally – from welding and pipe quality to water flow and technology. Cflow fully understands this.”
This means every handling of the fish must be carefully planned. In total, the salmon is handled three to four times during its stay – from smolt to harvest.
Each transfer must involve sorting and transport without stress, and with high biological precision – on the fish’s terms.
Cflow has developed a comprehensive system with water-filled pipes, knife valves, and sorting machines that connect production tanks across three buildings and two levels.
Project Manager Odd Einar Hjellen describes an extensive yet flexible system where everything revolves around routing the fish to its destination – with full control.
“We work with large dimensions and high complexity, but with the goal of making the solution as simple as possible for the user.”
The system is built for robust operation and high availability – and most importantly, to safeguard the fish during all transitions.
At Salmon Evolution, “Extending the Ocean Potential” means taking the best from sea-based operations and applying it in a land-based environment.
Extensive experience and knowledge from the wellboat market have been a key strength when Cflow was commissioned by SalmonEvolution.
“This is like twelve wellboats on land,” says Mushtaq. “The technology is the same, but the challenges are greater. On land, you have longer distances, more transitions, and must create the water that naturally exists in the sea.”
With enormous volumes of water drawn from the ocean, purified, partially reused – and passed through large amounts of pipes and valves – seamless logistics become crucial.
At the same time, the system must withstand continuous operation and deliver stable performance over time – without compromising fish welfare.
A hallmark of Cflow’s working method is interdisciplinarity. Biologists and engineers collaborate in all phases, from concept to detailed design and quality control.
“On land, we have more control than at sea. That also means we have greater responsibility,” says Maiken Svinøy, biologist at Cflow.
She points to water velocity, oxygen levels, CO₂, and temperature as examples of parameters that must be within the correct range.
“It’s the sum of many details that determines whether the fish is thriving. That’s why we follow up on all parts of the delivery – both technically and biologically.”
Cflow joined as a supplier to SalmonEvolution in construction phase 2, and the dialogue is well underway.
“We have weekly meetings and brainstorm solutions together. That’s how we continuously improve the system,” says Hjellen.
Mushtaq highlights collaboration as a keyfactor. “When we send over a suggestion, we often get an improved solution back. It’s about wanting the same thing – to succeed in transferring fish safely and efficiently on land.”
Cflow’s goal is zero errors at handover. Not just technically, but also biologically.
“Even small details can make a difference. For example, irregularities or poor welds can potentially harm the fish. That’s why we have strict requirements for surface finish and conduct camera inspections before the system is put into operation,” explains Svinøy.
For Salmon Evolution, the end goal is clear: A safe journey from tank to tank – and a final product of high quality.
“When the system works in harmony with both the fish and the technology, we achieve better growth, higher survival rates,and greater value creation. That’s the key to success,” concludes Ali Mushtaq, Head of Fish Logistics at Salmon Evolution.
• Client: Salmon Evolution ASA
• Location: Indre Harøy, Hustadvika Municipality
• Project: Fish logistics and sorting –construction phase 2
• Delivery: Pump system, sorting, control, and piping
• Goal: Maximum fish welfare and high production control
Collaboration is key. From left: Odd Einar Hjellen, Project Manager at Cflow; Maiken Svinøy, biologist at Cflow; Ali Mushtaq, Head of Fish Logistics at Salmon Evolution
