Innovative 6,000-Tonne Aquaculture Unit Delivered to Vesterålen Waters
GPO Heavylift successfully transported Nordlaks' groundbreaking semi-closed fish farm "Storbåtsegga" (Project Hydra) from GEMAK shipyard in Turkey to its final location in Vesterålen, Norway. The GPO Emerald heavy-lift vessel carried the 6,000-tonne, 70-meter diameter ocean tank on deck, completing a three-week voyage in late 2025.
Project Details
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Cargo: "Storbåtsegga" – 6,000-tonne semi-closed salmon production tank
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Client: Nordlaks
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Vessel: GPO Emerald
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Route: GEMAK Shipyard (outside Istanbul), Turkey ➝ Sørvika, Raftsundet, Vesterålen, Norway
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Voyage: October – November 2025
Complex Marine Operation
The massive steel structure, featuring a sealed roof and walls extending 20 meters below the surface (with 50-meter operating depth and 86,700 m³ volume), was loaded and secured over several days before departure. GPO Emerald navigated north through challenging seasonal conditions, arriving in Hadselfjorden for the final float-off operation on November 23, 2025.
Key features include feed storage, engine room, workshop, and dead-fish handling under the roof, designed to improve fish welfare and combat salmon lice in exposed sites. The synchronized float-off operation involved precise anchoring, sea-fastening removal, and towing to the Sørvika site by the Nordlaks project team after float-off from GPO Emerald.
Milestone for Sustainable Aquaculture
"This marks a major milestone for Nordlaks," noted the company, combining traditional farming with advanced technology for better biosecurity. The unit passed Nordlaks' existing "Jostein Albert" ocean farm en route, highlighting the sector's push toward innovative containment systems.
GPO Heavylift's Role in Aquaculture Innovation
This project demonstrates GPO Heavylift's expertise in transporting oversized aquaculture infrastructure across long distances, supporting Norway's sustainable salmon farming evolution. The flawless delivery positions "Storbåtsegga" for operational readiness ahead of first stocking in May 2026.
For more on GPO Heavylift's specialized transport for aquaculture and offshore projects, visit gpo-heavylift.com.