From boat to table: Marine Onboarding provided a comprehensive insight into the industry.
Oct 3, 2025
On October 1st, the Marin Onboarding launched for the very first time, organized by NCE Blue Legasea. The event brought together participants from various sectors of the industry for a day filled with learning, networking, and practical examples from the entire marine and biomarine value chain.
Through the program, the participants followed the fish "from A to Z". Actors from various parts of the value chain contributed with professional weight and experience sharing, while the Atlanterhavsparken provided a great framework for the day with good facilities and tasty catering. Participants were able to see the land-based industry up close with company visits to Brødrene Sperre at the end.
Strong professional program with speakers from the region
Project leader Silje Bjørke opened the day, followed by cluster leader Wenche Uksnøy, who provided an introduction to what a cluster is – and what makes the marine cluster in Sunnmøre so special. Then, Eivind Hestvik Brækkan from the Norwegian Seafood Council followed with a presentation of market prospects for Norwegian seafood in 2025.
Furthermore, Mats Grimstad from Nordnesgruppen took the participants into the practices and catch technology of fisheries, before Bjørnar André Vik from Optimar demonstrated what modern equipment technology enables in ocean-going factories. Kyrre Dale, the new managing director at Surofi, highlighted the role of the salting laws in the value chain, while Lene Risbakk from DSM Firmenich showed how raw materials from the sea can be used as ingredients in health, wellness, and flavor. Before lunch, Margareth Kjerstad from C Food Norway presented how they work to utilize the whole fish – with explanations, demonstrations, and tastings, including canned cod liver.
“Marine Onboarding with NCE Blue Legasea provided valuable insights into the fishing industry and the great potential that lies in utilizing by-products,” said Filip Fleicher, sales trainee at Optimar and recent graduate from NTNU in Ålesund.
Shipowner perspectives and company visits
After lunch, participants heard two shipowner perspectives – first from Nils-Ove Giskegjerde at Ramoen, and then sales and market insights from Jon Hallvard Roaldsnes at Nordic Wildfish Sales.
When the professional program at the Atlanterhavsparken was finished, the group moved on to Brødrene Sperre. Here, Inger Marie Sperre gave a presentation of the company’s role in the value chain, before participants were taken on a thorough tour through the reception, factory, and freezer warehouse.
“I have been at Møreforsking for a year, but did not have much familiarity with the entire industry before. Seeing the process from fishery to finished product was incredibly valuable,” said Inger Bye from Møreforsking.
Feedback from participants was clear: Marine Onboarding met a need. Many expressed that it is easy to become absorbed in one’s own professional background, and that the day provided both new perspectives and a holistic understanding.
See all the photos from Marine Onboarding here
With a successful startup, everything is set for Marine Onboarding to become a regular feature moving forward and for even more to join the journey through the marine value chain – from sea to table.
