LAND-BASED
Land‑Based Salmon Farming
Thor Salmon is a high‑tech food production company engaged in sustainable, land‑based salmon farming in Þorlákshöfn.
The location offers ideal conditions for the operation, with access to abundant freshwater and plentiful clean seawater drawn from wells along the shoreline, as well as energy resources and strong logistical connections to all major markets.
Thor’s operations support sustainable, technologically advanced food production in Iceland, contributing significantly to local communities, the economy, and an environmentally responsible future. Thor sees strong opportunities in the continued development of land‑based aquaculture in Iceland and works towards the vision of the country becoming a global leader in this field.
Construction of Thor’s smolt facility began in the summer of 2024, and the first eggs entered the hatchery in May 2025.
The smolt facility is separate from the grow‑out farm to ensure safety and the highest standards of health throughout the production process. It occupies roughly 2,000 square metres and has an annual production capacity of about four million smolt. The licence from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority covers up to 13,150 tonnes of maximum biomass at the facility, forming the basis for an annual production of 20,000 tonnes under the current operating licence.
While Thor’s grow‑out facility expands towards full 20,000‑tonne annual capacity, smolt are also sold to other aquaculture companies.
The smolt facility is only 300 metres from the grow‑out site, enabling smolt to be pumped directly from freshwater tanks to seawater tanks.
Product quality is of utmost importance to Thor Landeldi, and all planning is directed towards ensuring salmon of the highest standard. The overall design and infrastructure ensure product quality. At Thor Landeldi, exceptional freshwater and seawater resources are combined with advanced technology and control systems that promote fish health and best‑in‑class environmental performance.
Construction of the grow‑out facility on the company’s site is now in full swing and is designed to produce 5,000 tonnes of premium salmon annually. The first harvest is planned for late 2027. Once fully developed, annual land‑based production will total 20,000 tonnes.
Production from egg to full‑grown salmon proceeds in clear, controlled stages. The farming systems guarantee clean water, optimal temperature control, good oxygenation, and overall fish health, resulting in strong fish and outstanding product quality.
Once fully developed, annual land‑based production will total 20,000 tonnes.
Complete control is maintained over all stages of production. The process is supported by hybrid flow‑through technology, in which a large share of the water is recirculated and only a smaller portion is replaced with freshwater.
A specialised control system (SCADA) designed for the facility provides real‑time data and insights to maximise performance, detect issues, and ensure efficient management of processes such as water quality, temperature regulation, and oxygen levels.
Farming takes place in a fully closed environment, eliminating the risk of escapes and removing any need for chemicals or hormones. Disease risk is kept to a minimum, and fish welfare is monitored 24/7. Measurements, system control, and analysis are carried out in real time, all aimed at ensuring the best possible conditions for the fish. With Thor’s advanced monitoring and control systems, reliability and precision are ensured throughout the production process.