Optimar’s Stun & Bleed system secures fish welfare and quality

– We develop solutions that preserve fish quality the moment they come on board. That means better animal welfare, higher product quality, and a simpler, safer workday for the crew, says Frode Tenfjord, Design Manager Aqua at Optimar.

Fully automated from stunning to bleeding

Our system combines electrical stunning, camera technology, and robotic gill cutting. The entire process happens automatically – fast, precise, and without manual handling.

Key benefits:

• High efficiency: Handles up to 80 fish per minute per line
• Verified welfare: 100% of fish are confirmed unconscious before bleeding
• Reduced manual labor: Less heavy lifting, lower risk of errors, and fewer personnel needed
• Advanced camera technology: Provides precise weight and species identification for every fish
• Full traceability: Data is logged and shared with both vessel and onshore teams in real time

Kapp Linné – built for the future

For vessel owners looking to stay ahead of increasingly strict regulations, Optimar’s system provides a powerful competitive edge. Camera data documents temperature, hygiene, and catch volumes – supporting premium prices in the market.

– This system helps our customers meet future demands for traceability and quality, says Tenfjord.

The world’s first combined whitefish and aquaculture vessel, Kapp Linné, is now being outfitted at Larsnes Mek. The vessel will feature two factory lines: one manual for whitefish and one fully automated salmon stun & bleed line from Optimar.

Owner Michael Lockert and co-owner Olav Lassesen chose Optimar after seeing the system in action:

– When we saw that it could process 80 fish per minute per line, we were convinced. This technology gives us flexibility, better utilization of the vessel, and safer jobs for the crew, says Lockert.

Setting the standard for the industry

Optimar’s stun & bleed systems are already in use on several other vessels, with proven results.

– Customers who adopt this technology see a completely new workday. They save time, improve fish quality, and can document the entire process – from catch to finished product. And our machines are built to last, Tenfjord concludes.