Ode Pushes Cod Farming Innovation with New Submersible Pen Investment

Norwegian cod farmer Ode is investing in submersible pens to strengthen fish welfare and optimize production. The company’s first delivery, consisting of four complete Nautilus units, will be installed at the Alida site in Volda municipality during Q2 and Q3 2025.

16 May 2025

The investment is part of Ode’s innovation and development strategy to optimize performance and product quality through our fully integrated value chain for cod farming. Cod is a natural deep-water species that thrives in the environment found below the surface. By lowering the fish below the surface layer, Ode can improve welfare and secure better growth and quality all year round.

Experience from both salmon farming and previous attempts with submersible cages in cod farming has shown very positive results. The technology offers significant advantages by enabling better control of both light, temperature and water conditions – critical factors for optimal growth and fish welfare. — "We are combining biological insight with new technology to give our cod the best possible growth conditions," says Ola Kvalheim, CEO of Ode.

"Submersible pens are a natural next step to strengthen fish welfare, sustainability, and product consistency. If we meet our perfromance targets later this year, we will roll out this solution to our farms that are suitable for this technoligy. This will mark at shift in what sites and areas are optimal for cod farming.

Strong Partnership with AKVA group

The submersible systems are being delivered in close collaboration with leading aquaculture technology provider AKVA group. The units will be specially adapted for deeper operation than standard setups, taking advantage of Alida’s favorable current conditions."

— "This is an exciting step for cod farming, and we’re proud to support Ode with a Nautilus setup tailored for deep farming conditions," says Torunn Jørstad, Sales Manager Nordic at AKVA group.

She describes the collaboration with Ode as highly positive, praising the team’s innovation and expertise. With AKVA group’s experienced project staff, she is confident that the transition to deep farming will be handled successfully.

— "A gradual approach regarding depth is smart, both for the customer and for us, allowing experience to build at the right pace," Jørstad adds.

Today, Ode operates six active sea farms along the Norwegian coast, has its own processing facility at Vartdal, and a dedicated sales team supplying fresh Norwegian cod to global markets year-round. Through continuous investments in technology and sustainable practices, Ode is positioning itself for growth and industry leadership.

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