The semi-closed fish-pen unit Hydra, built for Norwegian salmon producer Nordlaks at Turkey’s Gemak Altınova Shipyard, has been loaded onto the semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel GPO EMERALD for transport to northern Norway. The loading operation took place on 22 October 2025.
Hydra weighs approximately 6,000 tonnes and measures 72 metres in outer diameter and 60 metres in inner diameter, with a total volume of 86,700 m³. The unit is designed to hold up to 3,120 tonnes of salmon biomass under a semi-closed containment concept.
According to Nordlaks communications advisor Kolbjørn Hoseth Larssen, the Hydra was loaded by a rail system onto the deck of GPO EMERALD, where it was welded in place for secure transport. The voyage to Norway is expected to take several weeks.
Once installed in 2026, Hydra will serve as a semi-closed fish-farming system with solid walls extending 20 metres below the surface to block sea-lice ingress, combined with a roof cover and controlled water-exchange system.
The semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel GPO EMERALD (IMO 9760457) sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands. Her length overall (LOA) is 225 metres, and her beam (width) is 48.05 metres. The vessel is part of the GPO Heavylift fleet and specializes in transporting large offshore modules and floating structures worldwide.
