Billund Aquaculture and Aquapurna are set to embark on a groundbreaking venture with the initiation of construction on what they assert will be Europe’s first shrimp recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in January 2024.

The strategically chosen site for this innovative facility is the Sigmundshall industrial site, located west of the city of Wunstorf, Germany. Transforming a former mining area into an innovation hub, the facility’s proximity to one of Europe’s major seafood consumption markets positions it as a key player in the region. Designed to operate at large scales and high densities, this facility serves as a substantial proof of concept for the advancement of shrimp aquaculture.The joint venture anticipates the introduction of the first shrimp larvae into the farm by the end of 2024. With the potential for expansion and improvement, the site can accommodate six additional modules, expanding the facility to seven modules in total, covering an impressive area of 30,000 m², with 18,000 m² designated as constructible zones.Aquapurna’s CEO, David Gebhard, is optimistic about the project’s success, stating, “If the project proves successful, we expect immediate government approval for these additional modules, significantly increasing our production capacity.”Bjarne Hald Olsen, Billund’s chief sales officer, emphasizes the collaborative efforts and meticulous decision-making that have shaped the project, saying, “Throughout this period, we have challenged each other, our choices of technology and the pros and cons of different solutions. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes to find the most efficient setup, which has led to many internal discussions and decisions.”The project addresses critical issues such as poor shrimp quality and dependence on imported shrimp. By showcasing the adaptability of this technology, similar projects can be developed elsewhere, minimizing food transportation distances and reducing reliance on food imports.Florian Gösling, Aquapurna’s chief technology officer and co-founder, highlights the synergy between the extensive knowledge of land-based shrimp farming possessed by Aquapurna and Billund’s proven track record in establishing large-scale farms for various species. He states, “The synergy between our extensive knowledge in land-based shrimp farming and Billund’s track record in establishing large-scale farms for various species proved to be the ideal fusion for pioneering the first large-scale, state-of-the-art shrimp recirculating aquaculture system.”