Salmon is one of the most popular fish consumed in Poland and Europe. However, it is also one of the most demanding cargoes for transport companies, requiring strict delivery conditions and safety throughout the supply chain. Experts from Girteka, a leading European road carrier based on the digitalization of services, talk about the challenges and the future of road transport of salmon, which combines trade, technology, and logistics. Girteka owns over 7,400 modern refrigerated trailers and 300 three-axle tractors adapted for transport in remote Scandinavia.
A high-value and growing market
Salmon consumption is increasing year by year, and one of the world’s largest producers and exporters is Norway. According to data from the Norwegian Seafood Council[1], 2022 ended with another record result in salmon exports from this country – 1,255,851 tons worth 105.8 billion NOK. The largest markets were Poland, France, and the USA.
Economically, salmon is gaining an increasing share in the global fish and seafood trade. Countries like Norway have built a significant part of their economy around salmon fishing and exports, which translates into billions of dollars in annual revenue.
– Over the last ten years, the value of Norwegian salmon exports has grown by 14 percent annually. These are fantastic numbers that significantly outperform other Norwegian export products – says Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Challenges in road transport of salmon
In organizing salmon deliveries to places where it is difficult to reach by rail or sea, the best solution is fast and flexible refrigerated road transport. This is facilitated by the constantly developing road infrastructure and the availability of modern refrigerated trailers. But at the same time, it is one of the most demanding deliveries. Due to, among other things, its high fat content, including omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon is a highly perishable commodity, and if stored at improper temperatures, it quickly loses quality. This means that transport must not only be fast and efficient but also guarantee safety throughout the entire supply chain.
Temperature is crucial for maintaining the freshness of salmon. To prevent bacterial growth, fresh fish must be transported at temperatures between 0°C and 4°C. Even small fluctuations can affect quality and accelerate the spoilage process of salmon meat. Advanced refrigeration systems are essential here, which not only maintain the correct temperature but also ensure uniform cooling throughout the trailer’s cargo space.
Another key factor is time. A delay of even a few hours can lead to a loss of freshness of the fish and, consequently, their market value. The solution is good route planning, proven vehicles, flexibility, and readiness to react to delays.
Often, the best salmon fisheries are located in areas with poorly developed road infrastructure. Navigating local roads, especially in extreme weather conditions, can be a real challenge. The professionalism of drivers is important, as is the excellent technical condition of the vehicles. The standard today is three-axle and two-axle trucks with modern refrigerated trailers. Those used by Girteka are equipped with horizontal and vertical securing systems, which protect the cargo from shifting, as well as thermal mapping and thermoregulation. All trailers have appropriate safety systems, approved to TAPA 1 and GDP levels.
– In salmon production, where daily and seasonal changes create serious logistical challenges, the role of experienced logistics providers becomes crucial. Companies like Girteka are intensifying their operations, using their fleet to ensure the flexibility that is decisive for meeting the needs of the salmon market. Equally important for business development is fast and flexible communication, and this process can be significantly supported by digital solutions – says Eirik Flo, Logistics Director at Coast Seafood.
The role of modern technologies
Road transport is supported by digital solutions that allow for real-time monitoring of cargo status, maintaining optimal conditions during delivery, as well as faster reaction to changes and adjustment of operations. The most important of these are advanced temperature monitoring systems (RTV) and route planning tools, such as Girteka’s AI-based AI Planner.
The future of road transport of salmon
Forecasts indicate further growth in salmon exports. According to the FAO, projected per capita salmon consumption will increase by 4 percent between 2021 and 2031[2]. And this means that transport companies must prepare to serve an ever-growing market. Major changes will also affect the way deliveries are carried out. In transport, AI-based route optimization, advanced refrigeration technologies, and even autonomous vehicles will become the standard. The importance of environmental issues will also increase, which is associated with the introduction of more stringent CO2 emission regulations. As Girteka notes, to meet new standards, transport service providers will need to increase investments in fleet modernization and team training.
– Road transport of salmon, despite numerous challenges, is an example of how effective delivery organization can influence the development of the entire sector. Today, it is at a turning point, shaped by growing demand, evolving trends, seasonality, and the flexibility of transport companies in adapting to environmental requirements. – concludes Tore Rodsten, CEO of Thermomax, a company belonging to the Girteka Group, specializing in salmon logistics.
Source: Girteka.
[1] https://en.seafood.no/news-and-media/news-archive/norways-seafood-exports-worth-nok-151.4-billion-in-2022/
[2] https://mowi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-Salmon-Farming-Industry-Handbook-2023.pdf