Rasellas, Greece
Developing a 4,000t Controlled Environment Land-Based Sea Bass Facility in Greece
ImpactMarine’s Rasellas facility in Greece will be a sustainable RAS facility, producing 4,000 tonnes of premium grade Sea Bass per year. Sea bass is consumed in large volumes globally, and RAS production offers a sustainable alternative to destructive net pen production
Construction is planned to start in early-2024, with the first harvest in 2025
Large market with over 230,000t of sea bass consumed annually
95% of sea bass is supplied from sea-based net pens, which are facing increasing environmental restrictions and operational issues (parasites, rising ocean temperatures, etc.)
Greece is a major producer and exporter of sea bass
Greece is the largest producer of sea bass in the EU, and second largest worldwide after Turkey
Supplies from Greek sea-based net pen production are under pressure from climate and ecosystem changes
Greece has a unique advantage for the land-based production of sea bass
Extensive know-how about the farming, processing and marketing of sea bass
Sea bass produced in Greece is recognised for its quality, and therefore delivers higher value in comparison to other producers in Turkey and Spain (much like the difference between Norwegian and Chilean salmon)
Well-established export systems with low or no tariff access to all major markets (Italy, Spain, Portugal and France)
ImpactMarine has made significant progress on all aspects of developing its sea bass business in Greece
Several sites identified and key surveys and applications underway with support of national and local government and key local stakeholders
Strong local team in-situ with exceptional relationships with key stakeholders, especially key government ministries
Long-term support committed from RAS partner, Graintec, whose planned “batch-in, batch-out” approach is ideal for sea bass
Built management team with 30+ years’ experience selling sea bass into international markets
ImpactMarine has made significant progress on all aspects of developing its sea bass business in Greece
Key surveys and applications underway with support of national and local government and key local stakeholders
Strong local team in-situ with exceptional relationships with key stakeholders, especially key government ministries
Long-term support committed from RAS partner, Graintec, whose planned “batch-in, batch-out” approach is ideal for sea bass
Built management team with 30+ years’ experience selling sea bass into international markets
Why Greece?
Ideal location with advanced marine infrastructure, fresh sea water, and nearby fish storage, processing & packaging facilities
Access to significant local, European and Middle Eastern markets at attractive prices, with national retail distribution centres located nearby in Alexandropoulos
Low-cost logistics to access international markets from the commercial port of Alexandropoulos (incl. air freight access)
Lower costs for implementation (e.g., lower construction costs) and operation than many other European countries
Active support from key stakeholders eager to promote sustainable aquaculture alternatives to damaging sea-based net pen production
Strategically important location with expectation of significant investment in infrastructure and local market development due to proximity to rail route to Black Sea