Crucially, this vessel is the first of its kind as it includes technology which can accurately avoid by-catch and smaller shellfish from being removed from the ocean. Using a specialist water pump the technology on board is able to lift the selected shellfish into a harvesting basket where it is then brought to the surface.

This is a significant step forward for sustainable fishing as it’s the first time in over 3 decades that the Norwegian Government have issued a license of this nature. For the next 5 years Ava Ocean and SINTEF will be able to extract a maximum of 15,000 tonnes per year.

Marine Research Collaboration

Not only will this ship be harvesting scallops it will also be the beginning of a research mission with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research which seeks to document the development of ocean wildlife.

Ava Ocean is contributing to revolutionising an entire industry through developing technology for harvesting climate-friendly foods, where research and sustainability has been central throughout.
– Alexandra Bech Gjørv, CEO of SINTEF and Trondheim Tech Port Board Member

‍CEO of SINTEF, and our Board Member, Alexandra Bech Gjørv commented on the partnership, “Harvesting with minimal impact on the seabed and ecosystems is an important step towards developing sustainable fisheries. Ava Ocean is contributing to revolutionising an entire industry through developing technology for harvesting climate-friendly foods, where research and sustainability has been central throughout.”

This revolutionary step forward is also gaining international attraction with Forbes Magazine listing Ava Ocean as one of the five green Norwegian companies to watch.