Nor­we­gian firm ready to go with 500t sea­weed farm, names Muri chairman

The company, which reports to be Europe's leader in the seaweed sector, has also added Hallvard Muri as its new chairman, landing a well-known aquaculture and wild catch industry veteran who has served as chief executive at Aker Biomarine, Akva Group and American Seafoods.

"I am excited to join the experienced team at Seaweed Solutions, which is very well positioned in a growing sector of the aquaculture industry," Muri is quoted as saying in a press release.

Just two weeks ago, Undercurrent News reported how private equity Bregal Partners and animal feed giant Nutreco have made investments in West Coast Salmon, a company founded by Muri. The salmon farmer is eyeing 50,000t of land-based aquaculture production in the US state of Nevada.

Seaweed Solutions, which maintains hatchery, farming and processing operations, said its new farm will be ready for planting during the next growing season and have licenses for the cultivation of more than 3,000t of seaweed. Previously, the farm was capable of producing just 100t.

The company said it is now looking for partners and investors to take part in its expansion.

"We are now entering a phase of rapid upscaling," CEO Jon Funderud said. "With Hallvard on board, we are confident that Seaweed Solutions has the right team in place to become a significant player in Europe’s seaweed industry."

Seaweed Solutions, which was founded in 2009, said it recently changed its name from Seaweed Energy Solutions in a decision aimed at targeting a wider market, including the fast-growing feed and food sectors. It reports to have invested $23.67 million on research and development.

Reproduced with permission.

Link to original article: https://www.undercurrentnews.com/2020/10/20/norwegian-firm-ready-to-go-with-500t-seaweed-farm-names-muri-chairman/