Land-based farming project First Water has hired Heðin N. Joensen from the Faroe Islands as farming manager. A press release from First Water reads that Heðin has more than a 30 year of experience of aquaculture and RAS systems.
Heðin, who took on his position on Friday, has for the past eight years worked as the production manager of Hiddenfjord in the Faroe Islands. In 2004–2005, he was site manager of Kaldbak in the Faroe Islands where he was responsible for the brand Viking Seafoood, later Bakkafrost, and the production of rainbow trout and salmon.
Earlier, Heðin worked for Smoltstøðin in Svínoy where he oversaw freshwater farming for six years.
CEO of First Water Eggert Þór Kristófersson shares in the press release that he was extremely content with Heðin’s hiring.
“It is a big step for us to recruit such an experienced manager. We have high expectations that he will contribute extensively to the growth our company is aiming for in the coming years. A large share of the great success Hiddenfjord in the Faroe Islands has achieved can be attributed to Heðin’s efforts, and Hiddenfjord is in our opinion one of the most promising salmon farming companies in the Faroe Islands. We at First Water understand that human resources are the most valuable asset a company like ours can have and Heðin will take key part in developing knowledge within the company,” comments Eggert.
First Water operates a hatchery in Hveragerði and a grow-out facility in Þorlákshöfn.
“The project enjoys prime conditions in Ölfus municipality where there is good access to land, renewable energy and not least pure freshwater and seawater at the optimal temperature for salmon farming. The company has completed the environmental impact assessment and obtained all necessary licenses for the annual production of 8 thousand tons of salmon,” the press release states.
The company’s goal is for the production capacity to eventually reach 43 thousand tons annually. Among shareholders are entrepreneurs, managers and employees, in addition to private and institutional investors. Investment company Stoðir hf. is First Water’s largest shareholder with a 40% share.