Closed systems at sea – a strategic shift for the industry
Closed aquaculture systems create spaces for aquaculture. By separating the production volume from the surrounding environment, exposure to sea lice and disease can be reduced, biosecurity improved and far better control of the production environment achieved.
At the same time, the technology enables:
- Utilisation of new sites
- More predictable operations and production
- Collection and utilisation of organic material
- Reduced environmental impact and improved fish welfare
This makes closed systems a key element of future production strategies in Norwegian aquaculture.
SINTEF’s role – reducing risk in new production concepts
The development of closed aquaculture systems involves complex interactions between biology, technology and the environment. SINTEF contributes knowledge and tools that enable the right decisions to be made – early.
We support the industry with:
- Documentation of the production environment and fish welfare
- Analysis of hydrodynamics, loads and structural integrity
- Modelling and simulation of operational scenarios
- Testing and verification in laboratories and in the field
Through this, we help reduce technical and biological risk ahead of investment and scale-up.
Documented experience from developing closed systems
SINTEF has been a key contributor to the development of closed aquaculture solutions through a range of research and innovation projects, in collaboration with producers, supplier industries, authorities and leading research environments.
Production environment and operations
- BIOCLOSED (FHF): Documents the effects of stocking density, water quality and hydrodynamics on fish welfare and production in commercial cages
Structure and seaworthiness
- SJØFLO: Fundamental knowledge on wave loads, sloshing and mooring in closed cages
Ongoing FLO initiative (2026–2028)
- FLOprod: Interaction between fish, hydrodynamics and structural integrity
- FLOslam: Collection and handling of sludge
- FLObiosec: Biosecurity, water treatment and operational models
From research to implementation
Our ambition is not only to develop knowledge, but to ensure it is applied.
SINTEF provides decision-making bases that can be used directly in industrial development:
- Design and verification bases for new concepts
- Input for investment decisions
- Documentation for regulatory processes
- Operational models for operation and optimisation
Through a combination of modelling, for example in the Ocean Basin Laboratory, experiments and full-scale testing, we can identify critical risk factors and contribute to robust solutions.
Testing and development in realistic environments
Through SINTEF ACE and other research infrastructure such as HAVOPERA, we offer a unique testing arena for the development of aquaculture technology. Here, new solutions can be tested under realistic sea conditions, with access to sensors, data and full-scale operations.
This provides:
- Faster development processes
- Better decision-making bases
- Reduced risk during implementation
A partner for industry and public authorities
SINTEF operates at the intersection of technology development, industrial application and regulation.
We collaborate with:
- Aquaculture companies and technology suppliers
- Project owners and investors
- Authorities and regulatory bodies
- Leading R&D environments
Our independent role ensures a fact-based foundation for both development and regulation of new production solutions.
Ready for the next step
Floating closed aquaculture systems offer new opportunities, but also new challenges.
With SINTEF, you gain a partner who:
- Documents knowledge in technology, fish welfare and operations
- Reduces risk in the early phase
- Verifies performance and effectiveness
- Combines insight into biology, technology and regulatory frameworks
- Supports the entire process from concept development to full-scale implementation
We are ready to support research projects, as well as the development, testing or implementation of closed aquaculture systems.