Exploring the Heart of Norwegian Seafood: Fastnet Joins Industry Leaders in Sortland

Earlier this month, three members of our Fastnet team Matt Omley (Sales Director), Greg Houghton (Seafood Trader), and Tony Osborne (Managing Director at FAS2000) travelled to Sortland, Norway, as guests of the Norwegian Seafood Council and Holmøy Maritime. The trip brought together representatives from across the UK seafood industry, including suppliers, traders, and the winners of the 2025 National Fish & Chip Awards, for an immersive few days exploring Norway’s approach to responsible seafood production.

It was an unforgettable experience, offering a rare chance to step directly into the world of Norwegian fisheries and aquaculture seeing, first-hand, the incredible lengths taken to ensure quality, sustainability, and innovation at every stage of the supply chain.

From Fjords to Fillets: A Journey Through the Norwegian Supply Chain

The trip began with a visit to Holmøy’s salmon farming operations – a highlight for many. Holmøy Maritime is a name synonymous with innovation and scale in Norwegian seafood, and witnessing their state-of-the-art farming systems left a lasting impression on all attendees. From the technology in use to the welfare and handling practices, the care and investment into their operations were clear.

Our team also had the chance to board the Langøy a frozen-at-sea (FAS) vessel operated by Holmøy. The group toured the on-board factory and processing systems and learned how fish are handled, frozen, and packed at sea to preserve the highest quality possible. As proud members of the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA), this was a particularly significant moment for Fastnet.

For our Sales Trader Greg Houghton, who joined Fastnet in 2023, the visit was both a personal and professional milestone. Greg shared:

“At first I was a little quiet, being around so many experienced people, but it didn’t take long before I was deep in conversation with vessel owners, traders, and fish & chip shop operators. I came away with new confidence, stronger relationships, and a much deeper understanding of the challenges our supply chain faces – particularly around quotas, species diversification, and quality assurance.”

“It was a privilege to represent Fastnet among such respected company, and it’s something I’ll never forget.“

Big Conversations, Shared Challenges, and a Shared Future

One of the trip’s key purposes was to bring the UK and Norwegian seafood sectors together to discuss the current state of play, build relationships, and foster collaboration. Important topics such as the expected 25% cut to Norway’s cod quota in 2026, the continuing effects of geopolitical pressures, and the increasing focus on alternative species like coley were openly discussed.

Greg added:

“Interestingly, when speaking with several fish & chip shop owners, their biggest concern wasn’t pricing – it was consistent supply and quality. That really highlights the importance of our relationships with dependable suppliers, and the work being done at sea to maintain standards despite growing pressures.”

These conversations were a reminder that the challenges facing the seafood industry are global but so too are the opportunities. Trips like this are vital in building understanding between countries, aligning goals around sustainability, and ensuring the ongoing health of the supply chain.

Proudly Representing Fastnet and FAS2000

It was a real honour for Matt, Greg, and Tony to represent not just Fastnet, but also our wider team and partners including FAS2000, at such a high-level event. As a business that works daily with both customers and producers, gaining this insight directly from the source is invaluable. It allows us to better inform and support our clients, advocate for responsible sourcing, and navigate the evolving global market with confidence.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Norwegian Seafood Council, Holmøy Maritime, and all those involved in organising the trip. The warmth, hospitality, and generosity shown throughout our time in Sortland was outstanding.

As we return to business in the UK, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and pride – not only in the products we source and supply, but in the people and partnerships that make this industry so special.