Arctic Cod – The beginning of Eyvi’s journey in turn-key land-based aquaculture

When the Arctic Cod facility on the island of Bjørn in Sandnessjøen (Norway) was developed in 2020–2021, Eyvi was a newly established company entering the land-based aquaculture industry. With over 80 years of combined experience in fish farming and aquaculture systems, the team had the knowledge – but not yet a reference project.

Arctic Cod became Eyvi’s first turn-key fish farming facility, delivered using flow-through aquaculture system (FTS) technology, and laid the foundation for our future within land-based aquaculture.

From concept to operation in under one year

In spring 2020, Eyvi actively explored opportunities in an uncertain market. One phone call quickly turned into a clear need: Four tanks for cod, as fast as possible. The team worked through the night and delivered a 3D model the very next day.  May 2020 the concept and agreements were in place. August 2020 the construction started. April 2021 the facility was completed and fully operational.

The timeline was widely considered unrealistic, but for us it became a promise we were determined to deliver on.

A true start-up effort where everyone stepped in

Being a small team with only 11 people, everyone had multiple roles. Taking responsibility was what mattered. Everone worked side by side side – installing, coordinating, solving problems and keeping progress on site.

This way of working proved decisive. Not only for completing the project, but for building trust, ownership and a strong sense of team. The Arctic Cod project laid the foundation for how Eyvi still works today, with close collaboration between disciplines and a clear expectation that everyone contributes where it matters most.

Built outdoors in winter, wind and a pandemic

The facility is entirely outdoor-based, located on a weather-exposed island on the Helgeland coast. Construction took place from autumn through early spring, under demanding conditions: Strong winds, sub-zero temperatures and complex logistics intensified by Covid-19 restrictions.

To maintain progress, constant adaption was required. Temporary structures, scaffolding, tents and protective solutions were built as new challenges emerged. The project became a great test of Eyvi’s ability to adapt quickly when conditions changed fast.

The first Eyvi built facility

Arctic Cod was the first Eyvi facility put into operation. Designed as a flow-through aquaculture system (FTS) where fresh seawater continuously flows through the tanks to maintain water quality and fish health, the facility was built for both cod and salmon production. The project delivered important learning from day one, particularly around differences in fish behavior and how technical solutions must adapt accordingly.

The result was a facility that performed as intended from the very start. Several years later, the facility continues to operate reliably, demonstrating stable fish production, strong fish health and consistent performance.

A project that shaped us

Now, Eyvi is more than 80 employees, but the way we collaborate across disciplines, take responsibility and engage deeply in our project can be traced back to Arctic Cod.
This project proved what a small, dedicated team could achieve together. We see this project as a reference for how we work, with passion at the core.