Legasea is a cluster of biomarine companies aiming to become ‘a global industrial leader in the sustainable and profitable use of marine bioresources and residual raw materials' (Legasea 2015). The cluster has its headquarters in Møre and its membership represents the complete biomarine value chain including: 14 marine ingredient producers, 5 fishing companies, 25 deep sea vessels, 9 onboard ingredients plants, 3 fish farmers and fish industry, 2 research organisations, 1 university college, and 1 innovation company.
Toward 100% utilisation of marine biomass
Møre is home to some 500 marine sector companies and the total annual turnover of sea-based industries in the region is around NOK 100 billion. Although the area is already highly productive, scope remains for increased production of high-value products from fish trimmings (the parts of the fish that are discarded in the production of fillets or steaks). Fish trimmings mainly consist of oils (e.g. omega-3) and proteins (e.g. fishmeal or liquid concentrate). Calculations suggest that by 2050, the trimmings will amount to 4.4 million tonnes annually (0.9 million tonnes in 2010). Through cooperation between industry and institutions focused on research, education, and innovation, Legasea hopes to take the production of high-value marine products to the next level. The ultimate goal is 100% utilisation of the marine biomass produced.
Cooperation and a favourable policy landscape fuel industry growth
The Norwegian marine ingredients industry is predicted to generate over NOK 70 billion in 2050. This figure is based on anticipated growth of approximately 7% per year. During 2013 and 2014, Legasea companies grew by 16% and 10%, respectively. This suggests that, through cooperation, the potential for growth could be increased substantially. The push towards sustainable development, in both national and international policies, is an important driver of Legasea activities. The Norwegian marine industry is well placed to function within this policy framework, as a large portion of its fish is already MSC certified and the production of oils and proteins occurs in a transparent and efficient manner. National policy favouring innovation has also been helpful. Legasea has been named a “Norwegian Innovation Cluster” under the Arena Programme, making it eligible for financial and technical assistance to support its development.
Spotlight on: Marine products in a global context
Legasea’s focus on the production of high-value marine products is highly strategic. It capitalises on regional strengths while at the same time thinking on a global scale. The effectiveness of marine oils and proteins in addressing health problems related to lifestyle factors is well documented, and the market for these products – most notably the Chinese market – is growing rapidly. At the same time, in the face of an increasing global population, seafood is an ideal, protein-rich, low climate-impact food. As the second largest seafood exporter in the world, Norway is in a unique position to capitalise on both trends and become a world leader in generating sustainable marine products. At the national level, the work of Legasea also has the potential to play an important role in Norway’s transition from an oil-based economy to a bioeconomy.
Regional dimension
The brains behind Legasea think big, and so much of the conversation about development potential has focused on the national economy. Nonetheless, the cluster has obvious implications for the region, particularly with respect to development of the region as an innovation hub. Campus Ålesund is being pitched as “a power centre for blue ocean industries”. It is home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Norwegian Maritime Competence Centre (NMK), Ålesund Technical School, Fagerlia Secondary School, and Sunmøre District Museum as well as over 20 companies. Combined, campus activities include around 3,000 students and 1,500 employees.
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