Filleting machine boosts Norwegian white fish industry

The white fish industry in Norway has historically struggled with filleting: while salmon-filleting machines exist, white fish varies so much in size and weight that developing a machine to fillet these fish has proven to be virtually impossible.

In addition, the bones in white fish are difficult to find and remove. As a result, 3 to 7% of the most valuable part of the fish is currently cut away unnecessarily during filleting.

However, a development project run by Nordic Innovation has resulted in the development of a white fish filleting machine. SINTEF, Marel, Faroe Origin and Norway Seafoods were also involved in the project.

Researchers at SINTEF ICT conducted X-ray tests in the laboratory and used CP scanners at Oslo University Hospital to learn where the fish bones are located.

The new filleting machine locates the fish bones using X-ray technology, and fillets the fish quickly and precisely with a powerful jet of water. This means that the fish is guaranteed to be boneless, with considerably less wastage than with manual filleting.

“Most of our important seafood products - such as salmon, cod and herring - receive only minimal processing or treatment before they are sent abroad,” said Marit Aursand, Research Director of SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture.

“In other words, the potential for carrying out more processing in Norway is huge, and this robot could provide a breakthrough, giving us a much-needed competitive advantage over low-cost countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Russia.”

Currently, fish caught in Norway may travel through two other countries to be filleted and packed before being returned to Norway for sale. This new filleting machine could make it possible to send fresh fish directly to the retailer from Norwegian facilities.

“Fish processing in Norway will soon become a thing of the past if the filleting process is not automated and made efficient and profitable. This is why this new invention is so important. It means that we can improve the quality and selection of fresh fish products, and keep the industry on Norwegian soil,” said Aursand.