Remote-controlled dead-fish handling improves safety and fish welfare
After three years of extensive testing, Framo is now launching its new remote-controlled LiftUP system – a solution that sets a new standard for safe, efficient, and cost-effective handling of dead fish. The system increases employee safety, improves water quality, and contributes to better fish welfare.
Framo’s remote-controlled LiftUP dewaterer unit enables automatic handling and registration of dead fish pumped from the cages – without personnel needing to be physically present on the feed barge or out at the site. The entire process is controlled from a control room on the feed barge or directly from the onshore feeding centre.
The objective is clear: to increase safety by reducing the need for manual operations in demanding weather conditions, limiting infection risk in the cages, and ensuring safe and efficient biomass handling. At the same time, the system frees up valuable labour capacity and provides a solid foundation for documentation and operational analysis.
The remote-controlled system consists of pumps, sensors, and cameras that together ensure full control of the entire process. Fish are pumped out of the cage through a closed piping system, pass through an electro-stunner, are registered by camera, and are then transferred to silage.
Tronn-Ove Øren, Project Manager Development at Sinkaberg (left), and project manager Trym Eidsnes at Framo (right). Photo: Framo AS
“We have tested the technology at Lerøy since 2021. The experience and knowledge gained during the test period have been used to develop this new autonomous dewaterer unit, which has been in full-scale production since the summer of 2024. In the autumn of the same year, we delivered one system to Lerøy and one system to Sinkaberg, which has also been involved in the development process,” says project manager Trym Eidsnes at Framo.
Clear benefits
Framo has now delivered ten autonomous LiftUP dewaterer systems to various sites operated by Lerøy and Sinkaberg, with several new deliveries already on order.
“We see clear benefits from the investment, and customer feedback has been very positive. Lerøy and Sinkaberg deserve recognition for early adoption of new technology that contributes to a better environment, higher fish welfare, and safer working conditions,” says Eidsnes.
“Lerøy prioritises contributing to such development processes to advance technology for even safer operations for employees and fish. In addition, the system provides improved documentation,” says Basile Bonnemaire, Head of Technology Development at Lerøy.
Optimizing operations
Tronn-Ove Øren, Project Manager Development at Sinkaberg, says the system provides entirely new opportunities to optimize operations at the company’s sites.
“We have been involved throughout the entire development process, which has been both useful and educational. The result is a product we are very satisfied with. Framo is an organisation with short decision-making paths and highly skilled professionals who understand our daily operations and want to solve farmers’ challenges,” says Øren.
Weather-independent
“Sites exposed to wind and weather benefit greatly from the system. It enables safe and efficient handling regardless of weather conditions. Frequent removal of dead or injured fish improves water quality in the cages and reduces the risk of infection spread during disease outbreaks. By remote-controlling the process from a control room, the need for manual operations at the cage edge is eliminated – representing a significant safety improvement for employees,” explains Eidsnes.
Since 1994
LiftUP has developed and delivered solutions for dead-fish handling since 1994 and was acquired by Framo in 2021 as part of the company’s aquaculture strategy. Following the acquisition, the business relocated to Framo’s factory at Venjaneset, and the number of employees has grown from approximately ten to more than thirty today.
“The acquisition of LiftUP has been an important part of Framo’s aquaculture strategy. It has been inspiring to see the rapid development the company has undergone – both technologically and organizationally,” says Terje Ljones, Director of Aquaculture at Framo.
Facts: Benefits of autonomous dewaterer units
Framo’s remote-controlled LiftUP system offers a range of advantages in safety, operations, and fish welfare:
- Rapid and automatic removal of dead or injured fish reduces infection pressure, improves water quality, and strengthens fish welfare.
- Continuous operation regardless of weather conditions increases stability and enables more predictable production.
- Reduced manual handling improves personnel safety, lowers infection risk, and frees up valuable labour capacity.
- Automatic data registration provides a solid basis for analysis, alerts, and documentation – contributing to continuous improvement.
- The combination of sensors, automation, and remote control makes dead-fish handling a controlled, documented, and safe process.
Top image: Framo’s remote-controlled LiftUP dewaterer unit installed at a customer site. Photo: Trym Eidem Meihack