2024 has been an eventful year for Smir AS, where we have taken big steps both as an organization and within new focus areas. In this article, CEO Øyvind Nymark shares his thoughts on 2024 and his expectations for next year.
What would you highlight as Smir AS’ biggest milestones in 2024?
Smir AS has reached several important milestones in 2024, but if I were to highlight a specific one, it would be the contract we have signed with Nova Sea where we will be responsible for the total delivery of technology and services for deep farming at one of their sites. Deep farming and submersible cages will be a very important focus area for us in the years to come, and we’re really looking forward to embarking on the project.
It’s also hard to ignore the fact that, for the first time, we have supplied water feeding technology to a farmed species other than salmon, where we have delivered a customized feeding system to the halibut farming company Sterling Halibut. I would also like to highlight the project that is currently underway with Andfjord Salmon, where we will be delivering water feeding technology to land-based aquaculture in the course of next year.
Which challenges have been most demanding for the company, and how have they been handled?
Our biggest challenge this year has been that we’ve been a little short on resources. We’ve had a very high level of activity, with a lot of projects coming up at the same time. In such periods, it can be challenging to plan our activities, and this is a situation I think many companies can relate to. But we have been better equipped throughout the year, and more resources will be coming in next year!
What do you appreciate most about the employees at Smir AS, and how have they contributed to this year’s success?
Of course, we wouldn’t have got anywhere without the people in the company. But what impresses me the most is the drive and dedication everyone has to the tasks at hand. At times, it has been hectic and there has been a lot of work pressure on several of our employees, but everyone has pulled in the same direction and we have always been united. We are a great team in Smir AS, and I really appreciate everyone. We have the important interdisciplinary expertise needed to assert ourselves as a preferred system supplier in the aquaculture industry.
What has been your most important lesson as a leader in 2024?
Listen to your gut feeling, but support it with as much solid factual basis as possible!
On behalf of Smir AS, what are your expectations for 2025 and what do you see as the most important focus areas for Smir AS in the coming year?
We will continue to build on the foundations that have been laid and continue to grow within preventive measures for improved fish welfare. Naturally, delivering technology and services for deep farming will be a key part of this. Also, during next year, we will hopefully be able to commercialize a brand new and groundbreaking system to improve fish welfare. In addition to this, we will become even more visible and increase our presence for our customers.
I’m excited and have great faith in 2025!
How do you celebrate Christmas and what traditions do you value?
Christmas is celebrated at home with family and guests, and we have ribs, “pinnekjøtt” and our own “traditional specialties” on the menu. I enjoy working in the kitchen, and at Christmas there’s a lot of cooking, fun and relaxation. Otherwise, it’s nice to watch a lot of football during Christmas, and in recent years it’s also been interesting to follow the chess tournaments on TV in the Boxing Week.
Do you have a Christmas message for employees, customers and partners?
To our customers, I would like to thank you for all the trust, and to some extent, the patience you have shown throughout the year. We develop and move forward together! I would also like to thank all our partners and suppliers for their contribution to our deliveries. And a big thank you to all our employees for their invaluable efforts!
Merry Christmas to you all, and best wishes for 2025!
