onnest

Published: Oct 14, 2025
Story told by Samuel Muren

After nearly ten months of intensive evaluation, Onnest has completed its search for the most advanced aquaculture system solutions on the market. The process has included screenings, meetings, and site visits across Europe, resulting in valuable partnerships, new insights, and a deeper understanding of technological options within land-based aquaculture.

Based on this extensive process, Onnest is proud to announce its partnerships with Norwegian company Optiras AS for the grow-out phase, and Danish company Assentoft Aqua for the hatchery and juvenile phases.

“As a RAS-innovator, Optiras AS is proud to be selected as a system supplier to a market innovator like Onnest. Land-based fish farming on nature’s own terms is our common goal, and we look forward to carrying out our part of the job.”
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Asle Lygre, CEO of Optiras AS.

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These partnerships mark a significant milestone in Onnest’s ambition to establish a state-of-the-art, sustainable aquaculture facility that combines innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Both Optiras and Assentoft share Onnest’s commitment to setting new standards for land-based aquaculture through the implementation of cutting-edge Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), featuring energy- and water-efficient processes and exceptionally low mortality rates.

The new Onnest facility in Hirtshals will serve as a flagship project for the company’s growth in the Nordic region. It will not only support local development and job creation but also contribute to strengthening Denmark’s position as a leader in sustainable seafood production.

“Selecting the right partners has been one of the most important steps for Onnest. With Optiras and Assentoft Aqua, we have found suppliers who share our long-term vision of sustainable, land-based aquaculture driven by technology and respect for nature.”

Samuel Muren, CEO Onnest

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More insight

Advisors chosen

In the development of the Onnest aquaculture project, combining and pairing different, but still leading knowledge and competencies, are the key to success. Our prime focus will be sustainable and circular aquaculture where biology and fish welfare are at the core of what we do, future-proofing our products and practices for tomorrow’s consumer.

Onnest have now found its home

We are doing aquaculture on land and not in the sea. The fish farming industry has taken major technological steps the last decade or so, enabling large volumes of fish to be farmed on land. By doing this, we can improve fish welfare aspects since we can control the environment the trout lives in.

Onnest awards first major contract

Onnest has awarded the first major contract to a consortium led by Hjørring-based architects Hovaldt.

Onnest appoints Andrew as Technical Lead

Onnest has hired Andrew Whiston as Technical Lead with special responsibility for advising on technology selection and production flow optimization.

In good company by being part of the Convey project

Onnest is part of the Convey project which aims to establish an integrated hydrogen ecosystem at the Port of Hirtshals in Denmark.

Launching of Onnest in Hirtshals, Denmark

Onnest was launched with a presentation to stakeholders in Hirtshals. Presenting and providing the framework for our venture was also Hjørring municipality and the Port of Hirtshals.

Proud member of the Danish Ocean Cluster

Danish Ocean Cluster is a newly formed organization that wishes to strengthen relations between players utilizing the Danish fishing ports and being in ocean related industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, technology and energy.

Onnest selects Optiras and Assentoft Aqua as system suppliers