The new farm, which is located near the company's existing facility in Lira, is due for completion in March 2004.

It will provide Stolt sea Farm with an additional 1,000 tonnes of turbot, bringing its total capacity to 4,000 tonnes, and will employ more than 30 people once full production is reached.

Stolt Sea Farm CEO, James Stove Lorentzen, said: "This expansion reinforces SSF's position as the industry leader in farmed turbot and provides us with the volume needed to meet the growing demand for this premium product.