Benchmark’s new incubation centre in Iceland will provide high-quality eggs to the Scottish industry

Benchmark Genetics Icelandic operation is significantly increasing its production capacities of Atlantic salmon ova by a new incubation centre next to the existing broodstock- and incubation facilities in Vogarvik, on the southwest coast of the island. The facility is now in operation and ready to supply eggs to demanding UK customers.

The first eggs from the new centre were delivered in December 2021, and so far, the positive feedback from the customers is promising in terms of egg quality and size. The company is now preparing for the official opening of the completed centre, due in August 2022. The new facility will hold an annual capacity of 300 M ova for delivery all year round, and efforts have been made in the design and construction to secure the best conditions for incubation resulting in a clear improvement in the quality and size of the eggs. AKVA in Denmark is supplying the equipment, and a local Icelandic entrepreneur oversees the construction.
The new facility holds 10.000 single incubators, of which each will have eggs from a single female fish. This system secures the highest levels of biosecurity in line with the company’s standards.

“The new incubation centre is based on the existing production philosophy of Benchmark with land-based broodstock to ensure the highest levels of biosecurity and egg delivery throughout the year. We are looking forward to meeting our Scottish customers at Aquaculture UK and supplying the industry with eggs from the new incubation centre this year”, says Dr Jonas Jonasson, Head of Production in Benchmark Genetics and the CEO of the Icelandic operations.