DNV acquires majority stake in Aquabench

DNV has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Aquabench, a provider of data analytics, services and industry insights to Chile’s salmon farming sector, in a move aimed at accelerating innovation and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.

Chile, the world’s second-largest salmon producer, is a strategically important market for the industry. The investment will combine Aquabench’s local expertise and extensive database with DNV’s international capabilities in technology, risk management and assurance, while preserving Aquabench’s independence and close customer relationships.

“Chile is one of the world’s most important producers of high value seafood, and the investment in Aquabench reflects DNV’s long-term commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the industry,” said Geir Fuglerud, chief executive of Life Sciences at DNV.

Aquabench operates as a neutral information platform, collecting production, environmental and fish health data to help companies make informed decisions. Both companies said confidentiality, data security and responsible data governance would remain central to its operations, including compliance with competition law.

The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of digital tools and services covering fish health, biosecurity, environmental analytics and sustainability. Collaborative fish health projects will be a particular focus, helping companies share knowledge and develop best practices across markets.

Rikard Albrigtsen, DNV’s international business development lead, said combining the companies’ strengths offered ‘significant opportunities to accelerate innovation, digitalisation and knowledge-sharing for the benefit of customers in Chile and abroad’.

The investment will also support further development of Salmobench, Aquabench’s digital intelligence platform for the Chilean salmon industry, providing insights across the value chain.

Aquabench general manager Joel Leal said the deal would strengthen the company’s position as an independent knowledge partner as producers face increasing demands for traceability, sustainability and operational efficiency.

The agreement follows DNV’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in Aqualis, a Chilean provider of aquaculture infrastructure inspection and certification.