Norway-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology company Nofitech will begin construction of a new facility for rainbow trout outside Tokyo next year. The capacity of the RAS facility is 500 metric tons, with an average slaughter weight of 3 kilograms, the company said.

Nofitech has delivered four RAS facilities to Japan so far: two facilities for grow-out, one for the production of rainbow trout and one for the production of Pacific salmon. The other two facilities are for smolt production. .

“For many years we have developed a close and solid partnership with our customers in Japan," said Nofitech CEO Robert Hundstad. "The fact that we are now delivering to a new Japanese customer also shows that our long-term presence in the Japanese market is delivering results."

The company features its ModulRAS systems, which it says are standardized, compact and cost-effective systems designed for operation with sea or fresh water.

ModulRAS can be delivered for all parts of the production process -- smolt, postsmolt, grow-out and broodstock.

Nofitech will provide courses and training as an integral part of the delivery. “Training is essential to achieve effective and safe operation," said R&D leader Kari Attramadal. "This is extra important in new systems where the employees have not yet gained full experience."