DNV acquires the Norway-based marine health company Åkerblå Group to strengthen its existing aquaculture and offshore renewables services portfolio in Europe.
The assurance and risk management provider DNV makes this strategic move as Åkerblå has expertise in fish health, biodiversity and technical services. The Group has offices and laboratories in Norway, UK, Iceland and Lithuania.
Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO at DNV considers this deal as a major vote of confidence by DNV in the future of aquaculture, and specifically in knowledge-driven solutions that balance ocean wealth with ocean health.
Eriksen added that ”Åkerblå Group both complements many of DNV’s services and adds significant new life sciences expertise to our knowledge base. Together, we look forward to delivering superior service levels and enhanced value for aquaculture and offshore renewables customers across Europe and beyond.”
The Åkerblå Group has 306 employees and includes the companies Åkerblå, Kystplan, Skandinavisk naturovervåkning, Ocean Ecology, Blár Akur, and the Rådgivende Biologer.
Roger Sørensen, CEO of Åkerblå Group considers the new ownership as a chance for Åkerblå Group to grow its operations globally.
As he says “Both companies aspire to the highest quality and integrity in everything they do and are motivated by knowledge- and science-based progress. I am looking forward to seeing the positive change we can achieve together for our customers, our people and the wider industry.”
DNV has an extensive experience with inshore and offshore fish farming projects, supply chain transparency and traceability, assurance of offshore constructions and operations, risk management of marine and offshore units, and sustainable programmes for fish and fish well-being.
Geir Fuglerud, CEO of Supply Chain & Product Assurance at DNV, said: “As the fastest growing food producing sector, there is enormous potential for the aquaculture industry to meet the growing demands for protein across the world.
“DNV already provides a range of services to aquaculture customers, principally on infrastructure, digitalization, supply chain management and management system certification.”
“Combining these activities with the world-leading competence that Åkerblå Group possesses on fish health and welfare will create a true aquaculture services powerhouse which can support businesses at every part of the aquaculture value chain.”
