About
Sølvtrans was established in 1986 with a rebuilt freighter that had a cargo capacity of 208 m3. Today we are the worlds leading provider of crititcal wellboat services for a growing aquaculture industry, and we strive to continue to be the world leader with new deliveries of modern, state of the art, Ronja vessels.
SØLV TRANS - SILVER TRANSPORT
Originates from the silverish fish that we transport.
RONJA
Named after the founder’s two children, Robin and Anja.
Sølvtrans has been driving the development of wellboat related technology, enabling the highest fish welfare and biosecurity.
In 2001 we developed the unique closed valve technology. The closed valve transport minimizes risks of spreading contagious diseases, which allows for the highest fish welfare, and provides cost-effective transport and handling of live fish.
We manage vessels located in all major fish farming areas.
Our Story
1986
Sølvtrans was founded under the name Sølv Trans. The first wellboat was a rebuilt freighter of 208 m3 cargo capacity.
SØLV TRANS
1991
SØLVTRANS AS
The company converted to a joint stock company under the name Sølvtrans AS.
1996
DELIVERY OF THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT WELLBOAT
“Ronja Fisk”, with a total cargo capacity of 337 m3, was the first purpose built wellboat for Sølvtrans. The vessel was developed in close collaboration with the shipyard Aas Mechanical Shipyard. Godmother was Anita Halsebakk
1997
LARGEST IN THE WORLD
Delivery of the world`s largest wellboat, Ronja Christopher, with a total capacity of 650 m3.
1998
Following ISA-outbreak in Scotland farmed stock had to be slaughtered down. Wellboats became forbidden in Scottish waters when the industry blamed spread of infection and the disaster in its entirety on open-system live fish transport.
As a result of the crisis, Roger started developing a closed-system for live fish transport.
ISA-CRISIS IN SCOTLAND
2001
To re-gain permission for transporting fish in Scotland, Roger Halsebakk, together with Aas Mechanical Shipyard, developed what is known today as closed system fish transportation. This ground-breaking technology was first tested on Ronja Skye, delivered in 2001.
GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGY
Ronja Skye and Ronja Settler, both with a cargo capacity of 650 m3, and Ronja Commander with a cargo capacity of 940 m3 was delivered, all vessels built with closed system technology.
NEW VESSELS
2001-2003
2006
The sister ships Ronja Pioneer and Ronja Viking, both with a cargo capacity of 1040 m3, were delivered from Aas Mechanical Shipyard. These vessels were the first to be designed with a shelter deck.
GROWTH
2007
Up until 2007, Sølvtrans was based out of Scotland. In 2007 the company established a foothold in Norway through the acquisition of Frøyfisk AS with the wellboats Frøyfisk, Roy Kristian, Frøyhav and Ronja Carrier.
FRØYFISK ACQUISITION
2007-2009
DELIVERY OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST WELLBOAT
Ronja Superior (1040 m3) was delivered at the end of 2007. The vessel was number three out of a series of sister-ships delivered from Aas Mechanical Yard. Ronja Nordic (1040 m3) was delivered as the last of the four sister-ships in 2009.
Ronja Harvester was delivered during Aqua Nor 2008, and was at the time the worlds largest fish transportation vessel with a capacity of 1940 m3.
The sister ship, Ronja Atlantic, followed in 2009.
2010
Sølvtrans Holding ASA was listed on Oslo Axess on March 30, 2010. Sølvtrans also gained a foothold on the east coast of Canada with the Ronja Carrier.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
2011
Roger Halsebakk was hired in January 2011 as the new general manager of the company after a few years as chairman of the board.
UPHEAVAL
2012
NEW DESIGN DEVELOPED WITH ROLLS ROYCE
Sølvtrans contracted two vessels of 3000 m3, with completely new and revolutionary technology and design from Rolls Royce. Ronja Polaris was delivered in 2013 and Ronja Huon was delivered in 2014.
2014
STOCK EXCHANGE EXIT AND TASMANIA ESTABLISHMENT
Oak Tree acquired a majority of the shares in Sølvtrans Holding ASA, and the company again became a private company. The new ownership structure consisted of the largest owner Oak Tree, together with Roger Halsebakk and Anders Hvide.
Huon Aquaculture in Tasmania signed a long-term TC agreement on the vessel Ronja Huon.
2015
Sølvtrans acquired Bømlo Brønnbåtservice in December 2015. The acquisition involved the wellboats Øydrott (1200 m3), Øylaks (1500 m3) and the sister ships Øyfjord, Øysund and Øytind of 1800 m3. Furthermore, 3600 m3 Øystrand was under construction, scheduled for delivery in 2017.
BBS ACQUISITION
2016
May 1 2016 went into the history books when Sølvtrans invited the entire Sandsøy population to a 30th anniversary celebration. Thirty years after the first smolt-load at Håkonshella outside of Bergen was transported. Ronja Challenger (1800 m3) was delivered the same weekend and christened by godmother Anita Halsebakk.
30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
2016-2017
In addition to Ronja Challenger, the sister ship Ronja Supporter was delivered in the autumn of 2017. Furthermore, Øystrand was delivered from Aas Mechanical Shipyard, as well as the sister ships Ronja Ocean and Ronia Diamond. The latter was christened during the World Cycling Championships in Bergen.
GROWTH
2017-2018
During 2017 and 2018, four vessels were contracted for delivery in 2019. One vessel of 1800 m3, two sister ships of 2500 m3 and the world's largest with a cargo volume of 7500 m3. The latter was equipped at Havyard's shipyard in Lervik, and the other three at Aas Mechanical Shipyard in Vestnes.
POSITIONING FOR FURTHER GROWTH
2019-2020
Ronja Explorer, Ronjafisk, Ronja Islander and Ronja Christopher were delivered.
Two vessels were contracted for delivery in 2021 and 2022 from Myklebust Shipyard in Gursken. Both with a capacity of 4000 m3. Another five were contracted for a 2022-2023 delivery from Aas Mechanical shipyard.
BIG DELIVERY, BIGGER PLANS
2021
Ronja Vest was delivered in September 2021 from Myklebust Shipyard. The first of two sister ships, with Ronja Nærøysund set to follow early 2022.
Dess Aquaculture Shipping was acquired at the start of 2021 and merged with Sølvtrans.