by Björn Ronge, Silikal Aquaculture Solutions, and Asief Aliyar, Fish Farming Technology
As land-based aquaculture expands across the Americas, a fundamental question is coming into sharper focus: what separates facilities that achieve stable, long-term biological and financial performance from those that struggle after commissioning?
The answer, increasingly, lies not in individual components but in how those components are integrated. A group of Norwegian aquaculture technology specialists, now collaborating as Norwegian Aquaculture in America (NACA), is built on the premise that modern recirculating aquaculture systems perform best when designed, engineered and delivered as cohesive industrial systems rather than collections of standalone equipment.
This approach reflects an engineering philosophy shaped by decades of operating under demanding environmental conditions and strict regulatory frameworks in Norway. The emphasis is on robust design, biosecurity, operational reliability and lifecycle performance – priorities that often differ from short-term cost optimisation.
The complexity of integration
Land-based aquaculture, particularly RAS, is inherently complex. Water treatment, piping, feeding, monitoring systems and physical infrastructure are tightly interlinked. A weakness in one area – whether inadequate water quality management, poor material selection or incompatible system interfaces – can quickly affect fish health, operational efficiency and overall project economics.
Experience from Norwegian projects has demonstrated that the quality of underlying infrastructure is just as critical as advanced process technology. Surface integrity, material interfaces and hygienic design directly influence cleaning efficiency, biosecurity standards, maintenance routines and facility lifespan. In high-intensity RAS production, infrastructure durability is not merely a construction detail – it is a factor in operational stability and long-term biological performance.
A value-chain platform
The NACA consortium brings together specialist expertise across key domains. Mat-Kuling AS provides water treatment and RAS process technology, including filtration, degassing and oxygenation systems. Simona Stadpipe AS contributes advanced piping systems tailored for aquaculture environments, where flow control and material durability are essential. Helland Silosystem AS specialises in feed storage and distribution infrastructure. Dynamic FishEye AS delivers digital monitoring and control solutions for real-time operational insight. Silikal Aquaculture / Industribelegg contributes industrial coating and surface protection systems specifically adapted for aquaculture tanks, raceways and RAS infrastructure.
Protective surface systems serve as a critical barrier between structural materials and the production environment. Properly designed and applied coatings improve hygiene performance, simplify cleaning procedures, reduce wear and corrosion, and extend the lifespan of concrete and steel structures. In modern land-based facilities, surface quality and material protection are increasingly recognised as integral components of overall system reliability.
Industrial thinking for biological systems
What distinguishes the Norwegian engineering culture is the shift from pilot-scale experimentation to industrial-scale standardisation. Key developments over the past decade include improved material selection and durability, more advanced water treatment technologies, increased focus on biosecurity and hygiene, integration of digital monitoring systems and greater emphasis on lifecycle cost.
For producers entering land-based aquaculture, the most relevant takeaway is the shift toward industrial thinking – designing facilities for reliability over 20 years or more, not just successful commissioning.
Where projects encounter challenges
Common challenges in land-based aquaculture projects, particularly in North America, often emerge not in concept but in execution and long-term operation. Material degradation due to corrosion and chemical exposure, inconsistent installation quality, poor coordination between suppliers, underestimation of operational complexity and limited experience with large-scale RAS operations are frequently cited as contributing factors.
Notably, risks often arise at the interfaces between systems rather than within individual components. True integration, therefore, requires alignment between water treatment, hydraulics and tank design; coordination between materials, piping and structural elements; integration of monitoring systems with operational decision-making; and close collaboration between suppliers during both design and construction phases.
The role of digital monitoring
Digital monitoring is transforming RAS from reactive to proactive operations. With real-time data, operators can detect changes in fish behaviour early, optimise feeding strategies, improve feed conversion ratios and reduce stress – leading to more stable production and better economic outcomes. Advanced sensor technology, automation in feeding and system control, and better data integration across systems are shaping the next generation of land-based facilities.
Adaptation, not transfer
The relationship between Norwegian and American aquaculture sectors is growing increasingly collaborative. The US represents a significant growth market for RAS, while Norway brings long operational experience, engineering expertise and proven technologies. However, regulatory and environmental differences require adaptation. The US has a more fragmented regulatory landscape, environmental conditions vary significantly, energy costs and infrastructure differ, and permitting processes can be more complex. Solutions must be adapted, not simply transferred.
Looking ahead
Looking five to ten years ahead, successful RAS operations will likely be distinguished by robust infrastructure designed for long-term performance, strong operational competence, a high level of system integration, effective use of data and monitoring and a focus on lifecycle cost rather than initial investment. Projects that struggle will often have underestimated complexity, weak integration between systems, and short-term decision-making in design and materials.
Ultimately, success in land-based aquaculture depends on treating it for what it is: an advanced industrial system requiring engineering precision, operational discipline and long-term thinking. The Norwegian approach – emphasising system interaction, risk mitigation, and lifecycle value over isolated component delivery – offers a model increasingly relevant as the industry scales across the Americas.
