Nysnø Climate Investments and Skeie Technology invest in Aqua Robotics

Aqua Robotics has developed an automatic cleaning system for nets used in the fish farming industry. A net that is always clean ensures water exchange and oxygenation in the cages, which is vital for fish welfare.  Current practice with high pressure washing is harmful to the fish and to the marine environment, releasing copper-based antifouling waste to the seabed. With a resident HALO robot continuously keeping the net clean, copper coating can be eliminated and as a bonus, the industry can lower its CO2 footprint by greatly reducing the need for service vessels associated with traditional net cleaning operations. It is estimated that this will lower CO2 emissions by 21 tons per cage per year on average.

Unique track record

– The founder team and management of Aqua Robotics have a unique track record of successful development and commercialization of technology, in and outside the aquaculture industry. The company’s HALO robot will improve life for both fish farmers and their fish, and additionally contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing copper pollution in the marine environment, says John Egil Johannessen, Investment Manager at Nysnø Climate Investments.

As a result of cleaning, Aqua Robotics’ solutions will provide a better environment for the fish – with less stress, fewer sources of infection and generally improved fish health. This also leads to better profitability for the fish farmers.

Experience and familiarity with the industry appeals

– We are very pleased to have owners of such quality who share our visions and ambitions for how we can succeed in creating value for the entire aquaculture farming industry. Skeie Technology and Nysnø’s experience and familiarity with the industry appeals to us, this along with their focus on technology development to solve challenges within fish health, fish welfare and sustainability. Developing new technology is always challenging, and we have used significant resources to get to where we are today – with success in a demanding market. The entire shareholder community is looking forward to the collaboration to ensure the company’s further positive development, says CEO, Kjetil Njærheim, and Chairman of the Board, Knut Molaug, at Aqua Robotics.

Also involved in the investment is Skeie Technology, which is part of the Skeie Group, and is an active investor in the digital and green shift, especially within ocean-based industries.

– We see Aqua Robotics as a highly innovative company addressing critical challenges that the aquaculture industry is struggling with today. The company’s focus on technology development, such as continuous cleaning and inspection/monitoring of the nets, are important contributions for further development in the industry. We consider aquaculture as a critical part of the food supply for a growing population, but further growth will depend on improved fish welfare. We see Aqua Robotics as well-positioned to become a central contributor to this, says CEO of Skeie Technology, Håkon André Berg.

Aqua Robotics AS has completed a total transaction of approximately NOK 85 million directed towards the Kristiansand-based investor Skeie Technology AS and Stavanger-based Nysnø Climate Investments AS, as well as the existing shareholders T.D. Veen AS, Jakob Hatteland Holding AS, and Kkera Invest AS.

About Aqua Robotics AS

Aqua Robotics AS was established in 2016 by the Molaug family, the same family behind the startup of AKVA, which today is AKVA Group. The company’s business idea is based on automating the cleaning of nets within aquaculture through the autonomous HALO robot, which continuously cleans the nets without the use of copper impregnation or high-pressure washing. As a result of continuous cleaning, Aqua Robotics’ solutions create a better environment for the fish with less stress, reduced risk of infection, and generally improved fish health. At the same time, robotization leads to more carbon-efficient fish farming production. https://en.aquarobotics.no/

About Skeie Technology AS

Skeie Technology is part of the Skeie Group and is an active investor in the digital and green shift with a particular focus on companies within ocean-based industries. Skeie Technology has a strong commitment to help build companies that solve tomorrow’s problems. The company invests in businesses that have already shown significant commercial potential but require capital and expertise to realize ambitious growth and development goals. www.skeiegruppen.no

About Nysnø Climate Investments AS

Nysnø Climate Investments is a state-owned investment company that focuses on technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a management capital of 5.4 billion Norwegian kroner, Nysnø’s portfolio includes renewable energy, digital technologies, resource efficiency, sustainable consumption, and the circular economy. The company is headquartered in Stavanger and falls under the ownership of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

Contact persons:

Nysnø – John Egil Johannessen, Investment Manager, john.egil.johannessen@nysnoinvest.no, +47 934 17 682

Aqua Robotics – Kjetil Njærheim, CEO, ksn@aquarobotics.no, +47 916 65 509

Aqua Robotics – Knut Molaug, Chairman of the Board, +47 901 39 522

Skeie technology – Håkon André Berg, CEO, haakon.berg@sgr.no, +47 411 92 25