Aquapurna and Billund Aquaculture have initiated the development of the largest high-intensity recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) shrimp farm globally, scheduled to commence construction in January 2024. Situated at the Sigmundshall Industrial Site near Wunstorf, Germany, this collaborative endeavor envisions introducing initial shrimp larvae into the farm by the close of 2024, with a targeted annual production of 800 metric tons of vannemei shrimp.
Having formalized their partnership in 2022, Aquapurna and Billund Aquaculture secured substantial investments for this ambitious undertaking. Kassel-based K+S, specializing in minerals and raw materials, contributed over EUR 10 million, while Aquapurna garnered a minimum of EUR 1 million from private investors in the food and retail sectors to facilitate construction expenses.
Functioning as a large-scale proof of concept, the farm is poised to exhibit the combined expertise of Aquapurna, specializing in a distinctive shrimp-farming system, and Billund Aquaculture, renowned for its cutting-edge water treatment technology.
Aquapurna’s Managing Director, David Gebhard, emphasized the substantial contribution to sustainable and autonomous food supply in Europe through collaboration with K+S. The project aims to validate the feasibility of a large-scale, state-of-the-art shrimp recirculating aquaculture system, focusing on scalability and high-density operations.
The construction plan encompasses three phases, with the initial phase involving a 4,000-square-meter production hall and infrastructure wing slated for completion by mid-2025. Following the establishment of stable operations, the farm’s production capacity is anticipated to multiply sixfold, culminating in two production halls covering an extensive area of approximately 18,000 square meters.
With K+S providing land and physical infrastructure at the Sigmundshall Industrial Site, the collaborative venture holds the potential to incorporate six additional RAS modules, spanning 30,000 square meters. The farm’s commitment to sustainability includes the integration of solar panels and a 98% water reuse system within the grow-out tanks.
Expressing his aspirations, Aquapurna CEO David Gebhard envisions creating a scalable solution for localized shrimp farming across Europe. The ultimate goal is to supply delectable shrimp globally while upholding environmental conservation. The project’s success is anticipated to secure government approval for additional modules, substantially amplifying production capacity.
Billund Aquaculture, headquartered in Denmark, brings its extensive experience in designing and implementing RAS farms, with over 140 global projects. Chief Sales Officer Bjarne Hald Olsen underscored the comprehensive efforts invested in determining the most efficient setup, marking a pivotal advancement in aquaculture technology.