Biology First: How Napier and BAADER Are Setting a New Standard for Quality and Fish Welfare

BAADER’s method is based on a combination of percussive stunning and bleeding, where the fish is harvested immediately at first handling – with minimal stress.

The results are well documented:

• Irreversible stunning (EEG verified)
• Very weak rigor
• No broken spines
• Exceptional raw material quality

Since its establishment in 2009, Napier has been a pioneer in the “process-at-cage” concept. With six vessels in operation and a target of surpassing 200,000 tonnes this year, the company is now the world’s largest operator within this segment.

The core of this success is clear: biology first.

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Fish Welfare as the Foundation of Quality

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Fish must be harvested when they are in their best condition – and that is at the cage edge,”
— CEO Kjetil Tufteland.

BAADER’s method is based on a combination of percussive stunning and bleeding, where the fish is harvested immediately at first handling – with minimal stress.

The results are well documented:

• Irreversible stunning (EEG verified)
• Very weak rigor
• No broken spines
• Exceptional raw material quality

The fish does not experience fear. It falls unconscious with minimal stress. That is crucial – both ethically and in terms of quality,” stated Kjetil Tufteland.

This approach not only improves fish welfare but also significantly enhances shelf life and end-product quality – all the way to the market.

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BAADER Technology as the Enabler

A critical factor behind Napier’s operations is BAADER technology.

BAADER is our most important supplier. Together we handle the fish, harvest it, and ensure precision – regardless of fish size,” says Kjetil Tufteland.

The BAADER 101 system has been central:

“Without this system, Napier would not be where we are today.”

The systems are developed through close interaction between operations and technology, with continuous feedback from the vessels.

“We don’t only go to BAADER when something doesn’t work – we go when we see potential for improvement. And we receive fast, concrete enhancements in return.”

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Industrial Scale with Surgical Precision

Napier’s latest vessels, Tauroa and Tautiki, represent state-of-the-art processing capacity:

• 750 tonnes loading capacity
• 200 tonnes per hour processing rate
• ~600 fish per minute
• 8 rigs / 48 channels

This delivers a unique combination of high capacity and controlled processing.

“We have developed internal logistics that ensure gentle handling, rapid throughput, and easy access for maintenance. The result is high operational reliability and very low downtime,” says Tufteland.

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Closed Biology and Zero Mortality

One of the greatest advantages of the processing vessel concept is biological control.

Fish are transported in a closed system:

• No discharge
• No intake of new water during transit
• No risk of disease transmission

At the same time, mortality during transport is completely eliminated.

“The fish is already harvested when transport begins. That eliminates both sufferingand financial loss.”

This also enables operational flexibility, including free movement between farming zones without quarantine.

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Efficiency Through Biological Insight

By transporting harvested fish instead of live biomass, Napier achieves significant efficiency gains:

• 70–75% fish in tanks (vs. ~15% in live transport)
• Reduced energy consumption
• Lighter vessels
• Higher logistical efficiency

At the same time, fish are delivered core-chilled to the processing plant, reducing energy demand and complexity on land.

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Partnerships Driving Innovation

COO Kåre Andreas Cederstrøm emphasizes the importance of collaboration:

“To succeed, we depend on suppliers who understand both biology and operations. BAADER has consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver solutions that work in real-world conditions.”

The partnership is characterized by:

• Openness
• Trust
• Continuous improvement

“We discuss challenges, develop solutions, and implement them directly. That is how we move forward.”

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Proven Results – and Continued Growth

Napier’s model delivers clear results:

• 100% long-term contracts
• Strong, lasting customer relationships
• Documented high quality in both salmon and trout

“When you consistently deliver top quality, you move away from the spot market and into long-term partnerships.”

With new vessels under construction and increased capacity as the next step, the growth journey is far from over.

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A Shared Philosophy

What unites Napier and BAADER is a clear and consistent approach:

1. Fish welfare first
2. Quality follows
3. Profitability as the result

“When biology comes first, both quality and profitability follow naturally,” says Tufteland.

This is not just a philosophy – it is a proven model for value creation in modern aquaculture.

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Conclusion: A New Standard for the Future of Aquaculture

Through the combination of operational expertise, biological insight, and advanced technology, Napier and BAADER have established a concept that redefines how fish should be handled in the final stage of production.

The result is a solution that delivers on all critical parameters:

• Fish welfare
• Product quality
• Operational efficiency
• Sustainability

And most importantly: consistent results – every single day.