China has begun harvesting salmon from what is described as the world’s first 100,000-ton-class salmon farming vessel, marking a new step in the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported fish.
The vessel, Su Hai No.1, started its first commercial harvest this week in waters off Weihai in Shandong Province.
The project is particularly relevant for Nordic seafood producers, as China remains one of the world’s largest importers of salmon. Much of that supply comes from Norway, which dominates China’s imported salmon market.
According to Chinese state media, more than 80 percent of China’s salmon consumption is currently supplied by imports.
The vessel entered service in December 2025 and is equipped with 15 enclosed farming tanks. It has an effective farming volume of 83,000 cubic metres and is expected to produce more than 8,000 tonnes of salmon annually.
Unlike traditional fish farms, Su Hai No.1 can move between different offshore locations. Operators can adjust its position to find optimal water temperatures and avoid extreme weather.
The vessel also uses automated feeding systems and digital monitoring technology to manage fish health and farming conditions.
Chinese authorities view the project as a milestone in the country’s push to expand industrialised offshore aquaculture and strengthen domestic food production.
While the expected output remains small compared with Norway’s salmon industry, the project highlights China’s growing ambitions in a market long dominated by Nordic producers.
Norwegian salmon exports to China have grown rapidly in recent years, driven by rising consumer demand and expanded trade links between the two countries.
